Youri Tielemans has said a “heartfelt farewell” to Leicester City fans in a video message on his Instagram account. The Belgium midfielder’s contract with the Foxes is set to expire this summer. The 26-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea, departs the King Power Stadium after their relegation to the Championship.
In his message, Tielemans expressed his gratitude to the club and its supporters: “Dear Leicester City fans, after four and a half special years and with a lot of gratitude, I am bidding farewell to this incredible club. From the first day I set foot on this ground, your warmth and passion embraced me. Victory and triumph, love, hope and even defeat, we have shared many special moments together. I am forever grateful for your unwavering support.”
Tielemans initially joined Leicester on loan from Monaco in January 2019, before his move was made permanent in a then club-record £40m deal in July of that year. He made 195 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 28 goals. He also has 58 caps for Belgium. His impressive performances in midfield under former manager Brendan Rodgers helped Leicester to top-half finishes in the Premier League and qualification for Europe, including a run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season.
The midfielder also thanked Leicester chairman and owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the board, staff, players and fans for making him and his family feel at home: “Thank you to Khun Top, the board, the staff, the players and fans for having given me and my family a home. This is not a goodbye, but a heartfelt farewell, with pride, love and eternal gratitude.”