Ricardo Pereira Confirms Departure After Eight Years at Leicester City
Leicester City captain Ricardo Pereira has officially announced that he will leave the King Power Stadium this summer. The Portuguese right-back is set to make his 220th and final appearance for the club in Saturday’s season finale against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
With his contract expiring in June and the club facing the harsh reality of relegation, Ricardo’s exit had been widely anticipated. While the current season ended in disappointment, his tenure in Leicester will be remembered for significant achievements and high-level performances.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Ricardo joined the Foxes from Porto eight years ago for a fee of approximately £18 million. He made an immediate impact, securing the club’s Player of the Year award during his debut season. At his peak, he was frequently cited as one of the premier full-backs in the Premier League.
His journey was not without hardship. He suffered a major ACL injury just before the pandemic lockdown and later battled an Achilles issue. Despite these setbacks, he played a vital role in the club’s most successful recent chapters, including:
- FA Cup Success: He was a key member of the historic 2021 trophy-winning squad.
- European Heroics: He scored the decisive goal against PSV Eindhoven to propel Leicester to their first-ever European semi-final.
- Championship Title: He adapted his game to serve as an inverted full-back under Enzo Maresca, helping the team secure a quick return to the top flight a few seasons ago.
A Personal Farewell
In an emotional video statement, the 32-year-old admitted that the timing of his departure is difficult given the club’s recent relegation. He noted that while the current moment is painful, he expects to eventually look back on the trophies and celebrations with fondness.
Ricardo also touched on personal struggles he faced during his time at the club, including the loss of his agent and his mother’s ongoing health concerns. He emphasized that he always gave his best effort, even during the grueling recovery periods from his various injuries.
“I always gave my best in every moment, even when no one was looking. I always tried to do my best with a good smile and always tried to treat everyone with respect.”
Looking Ahead
The captain’s departure marks the beginning of a significant squad overhaul this summer. Other veteran players, including Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka, are also expected to leave as their contracts reach their conclusion in June.
As the club prepares for life in League One, Ricardo expressed his hope to see the team return to the top levels of English football, promising to remain a supporter from afar.