Leicester City true champions in Premier League party with emotional goodbyes

The football game itself offered very little. Blackburn came out fighting on the mere fact that City may have one eye on the trophy lift but there was very little action. Sammie Szmodics scored twice for the visitors but that didn't dampen the mood.

For City, the day wasn't only about the football and the 30,000+ home supporters that packed into the stadium made the most of their day of celebrations.

READ MORE: Leicester City 0-2 Blackburn live as Szmodics streaks away to seal win for Rovers

READ MORE: Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim opens up on Abdul Fatawu to Leicester City transfer

The club-made montage of the success this season on the big screen set the tempo before Union FS's spectacular tribute to Jamie Vardy pre-kick-off was a touching bonus to the afternoon. '190 thank yous will never be enough. Jamie Vardy, Leicester's greatest' read the banners across the East stand and Kop stand alongside an image of the striker.

The fan group have are renowned for producing top-tier pre-match tifos and they said before today that this one would be the biggest and best yet. Stretching across two stands, the full image is one that will stay in the memory of the fanbase for years and years.

Blackburn played their part in making the afternoon special. Captain Szmodics led his team onto the pitch with the officials before forming a guard of honour for Leicester. A nice touch that received a loving response from the players and fanbase.

Less than five minutes into the game and the jibes towards Leeds United started. 'Leeds are falling apart again' belted around the King Power Stadium by all four corners, including the small section of travelling supporters.

The second half had more about it. Foxes legend Marc Albrighton replaced Abdul Fatawu to a resounding reception in what could be his final appearance for the football club (333 altogether) after nine seasons at the club. Not only did we see his traditional whipped crosses in the box from the right but there was an emotional moment when he came on as Vardy ran over to his mate and handed him the captain's armband.

At one point in the second half, a Leicester goal would have seen Blackburn drop into the bottom three and down to League One. Around five minutes after it became apparent that Birmingham City were winning, Sammie Szmodics scored for Rovers meaning they remained in the Championship.

No Leicester fan wants to think about it but today could also have been the final time Vardy ever plays for the club. Various reports have indicated he is close to penning a new one-year deal with the club but there has been no confirmation from the club as yet. That made the celebrations extra special.

When the striker was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho, who is likely to leave the club at the end of the season, he was applauded off by every single Leicester fan before embracing Enzo Maresca with a huge hug on the touchline.

Blackburn doubled their lead meaning there was no 100 points for Leicester but the result didn't ruin the party atmosphere at full-time. In fact, it's very rare that you'll see both sets of supporters celebrating at the end of the season.

The Leicester players headed straight down the tunnel to celebrate for the big trophy lift. A below-par performance but not one that Maresca will be too displeased about all things considered.

Maresca's squad may look different by the time they kickstart life back in the Premier League but fans, players, Khun Top and staff deserve to celebrate what has been an impressive season of football.

Saturday, May 4, 2024 will be remembered for the emotional goodbyes, heroic trophy lifts and the close of another chapter in the history of Leicester City.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.