Ricardo: A Hard Defeat, But I'm Very Happy To Be Back
- Leicester City suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat by Zorya Luhansk at Slavutych Arena on Thursday
- The Foxes remain top of Group G with one game still to play in the UEFA Europa League group stage
- Full-back Ricardo Pereira says that reverse in Ukraine was a tough one to take for City
- However, the Portuguese star was delighted to return to first team action for the Football Club
After 270 days away with an ACL injury, sustained in March, the Portugal international made his long-awaited return for the Foxes, featuring for 45 minutes at Slavutych Arena.
However, a late strike from Allahyar Sayyadmanesh consigned City to their first European defeat of the season in Ukraine, although Leicester remain top of Group G with one game still to play.
Speaking at full-time, the popular former FC Porto full-back told LCFC TV: "I think it was a hard defeat because I think we had chances to score.
Learn From Zorya Defeat, Says Ricardo
Ricardo Pereira gives his reaction to the Foxes' defeat in Ukraine and his return from a long-term injury.
"We were on top of the game when they scored, and it's difficult for us to take the loss. I think we didn't deserve it, but we have to learn from it and do better the next time."
City created several opportunities to take the lead, before also going close through Cengiz Ünder late on and the 27-year-old believes Leicester were unfortunate not take more from the game.
"Of course, the game would be different," he added. "We even had the Cengo (Ünder) chance at the end to draw the game but the 'keeper made great saves and like I said, it's a difficult one to take.
"But you have to learn from it and take some positives from the game. We are in a better position in this case than SC Braga, so it's a positive.
"We have a game at home (vs. AEK Athens on Thursday) that we have to win to assure the first place in the group."
Reflecting on his comeback for the Foxes, meanwhile, Ricardo expressed his happiness to be back in the Club's colours in his first outing for Leicester since March.
"It was too many days, it was hard times," he continued. "But I'm very happy to be here and play with the guys again and I hope I can keep going and keep improving."