Mendy’s Personal Challenge
- Papy Mendy reveals his delight as he prepares to make his 10th appearance in all competitions for Leicester City in 2020/21
- The French midfielder was previously limited to game time, but has been in fine form this campaign
- Mendy spoke of his decision to sign a new deal with the Club until 2023, and the discussion he had with manager Brendan Rodgers
Mendy committed his future to the Foxes by signing a contract extension that runs until the end of the 2022/23 campaign and has since performed superbly in nine outings under Brendan Rodgers this season.
The Frenchman could feature once again for City on Thursday in their UEFA Europa League match versus SC Braga, and speaking ahead of that game, Mendy revealed the reasons why he wanted to prolong his time at the Club.
“I had a conversation with him (Rodgers),” Mendy said. “He showed me he wanted me to stay in the Club.
“I had some experience and I worked so hard last season. Maybe I wasn't on the pitch but in training I worked so hard.
“He believed in me and after I spoke with him my mind was clear and that's why I signed.”
An opportunity to showcase his abilities to the Blue Army was also a desire of Mendy’s, and with a packed fixture schedule continuing throughout 2020/21, he will no doubt enjoy more time on the pitch in the heart of City’s midfield.
“When I signed my new contract that was my priority, to show the fans how I can help the team,” he continued. “At this moment this is good for me.
“Now the season is very long and we have to be consistent in the performances. Stay focused and don't break the step and keep pushing.”
Mendy’s time at Leicester has included injuries and loan spells, and while he was naturally frustrated not to be involved on a more regular basis, he is now set for his ‘new challenge’ under Rodgers.
“It was a big frustration for me,” he explained when asked about an ankle injury he sustained during his first season at the Club. “It was a long time without playing.
“Of course, when I was on the pitch, I didn't perform as well. Now, it's a new challenge for me, I know the Club and the players, and I feel very good here but it's like a new challenge.
“To have an opportunity to play a lot of games this season is very good for me. I take it because I'm very happy. I want to be on the pitch as much as possible.”