Jannik Vestergaard insists that he decided to stay at Leicester City and turn down a move to Premier League newcomers Fulham because he believed in a bright future at the King Power Stadium, speaking to Danish publication BT.
You can hardly blame Vestergaard for backing himself.
But, having been left out of the matchday squad for any of Leicester’s seven top-flight games thus far (despite the Foxes enduring the worst start of any team in the Premier League era, Derby County in 2007/08 included), the Denmark international may now be wishing he’d made a different decision.
“There was suddenly an offer for a permanent transfer,” Vestergaard explains when quizzed about reports suggesting he had rejected a £12 million move to high-flying Fulham.
“But the fact is, I have always looked at the sporting aspect and believed in a future in Leicester. Also based on what I heard from the club.
“It’s a big club that wanted me for a year and a half before the switch from Southampton. So I naturally thought that it would be a good change – and it may turn out to be that.”
Vestergaard’s optimism certainly looks misplaced at the moment. The fact that he was left out for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur – despite Leicester being hit for five by Brighton in their previous top-flight outing – speaks volumes about Brendan Rodgers’ confidence (or a lack thereof) in a man who has struggled to adapt to the Foxes’ style of play since arriving last summer.
Can Jannik Vestergaard still chance Brendan Rodgers’ mind at Leicester City?
“I have heard that some speculate that I stayed at Leicester because of the salary. But it was never because of money,” the former Borussia Monchengladbach man adds. “It’s pure rubbish. At the time, it seemed like a better sporting option to stay in Leicester.
“It’s a very frustrating situation for me right now; just as it’s generally a frustrating time for the club. Personally, it’s disappointing that I haven’t had the chance in the league. Because I had a good pre-season, where I got a lot of playing time in the friendly matches.
“Leicester announced early on that they wanted to keep me; confirmed that I was doing well and that we were starting the new season from scratch. I bought that message with all the loyalty I have for my club and the people in and around it. So I expected to stay at Leicester and have a good second season.”
It remains to be seen if Vestergaard is finally included in at the eighth time of asking when Leicester take on Midland rivals Nottingham Forest on October 3rd. The Foxes have conceded 22 goals in just seven games thus far.
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