Training ground fun, rock star fans and a Christmas party in Copenhagen were ingredients in the rank outsiders’ triumph, sealed on 2 May 2016
I remember in January, February that season Riyad Mahrez asked: “What do you think we can achieve?” I laughed, but didn’t say anything. Riyad said: “You know, you know.” I am a very pragmatic man … I knew we could do something special, but not to win the Premier League. Now people everywhere recognise me – people from the US, Canada and Asia ask to take pictures: “Leicester! The legend!” Unbelievable. It was a story that was something special for the world.
From the beginning of the season I told the players our goal was 40 points. The chairman, Vichai [Srivaddhanaprabha], told me it was important to stay up. When we got to 40 points, I said to the players: “Try to get into Europe because it would be a great experience.” When we qualified for the Europa League, I said: “OK, try for the Champions League.” When we achieved the Champions League, I said: “OK, this year or never again – this is our year,” and we went out to win the title. It is a miracle because we were a little team but the effort, the mentality, was strong.
On the day Tottenham played at Chelsea [a game Spurs drew 2-2 when needing to win, giving Leicester the title] I flew to Rome to have lunch with my mother. My flight back was going to arrive back too late for the game but I thought the pilot would tell me the result. But when Vichai heard, he sorted another flight. I arrived at my house in Leicester in time for kick-off.
