'It Felt Very Good' – Pérez Delighted To Return To Scoring Ways

- Leicester City drew 2-2 with Napoli in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday
- Goalscorer Ayoze Pérez was thrilled to open his account in 2021/22 with the opening goal
- The Spaniard is currently suspended in domestic fixtures, but could return at Millwall on Wednesday
- He's keen to get back into the side and showcase his abilities when able to do so

Although currently serving a suspension in domestic competitions, Pérez was eligible to star against the Italian visitors on Filbert Way and it took the Spaniard just nine minutes to make his mark, sending a superb volley into the bottom corner to get Leicester up and running in Europe. 

While the Foxes were unable to see out the victory, Pérez was nonetheless pleased to be back in blue and able to play a part in helping his team-mates get a point on the board in Group C.

After experiencing a special atmosphere on Filbert Way, City's No.17 told LCFC TV: "It felt very, very good. Obviously the way the fans were supporting us was amazing. It was one of those European nights and it started really well by scoring a goal.

"They had a full-back that followed Kel (Kelechi Iheanacho) in when we made a run to the near post, so I knew I had to make that run to the far post and, when the ball came, it’s one of those you can volley with all you’ve got and put it in the stands.

"I knew I had to just make the right contact and it was a big chance to get in. In this case, we did, and it felt very good. It was a great start for us. At the end, we’re disappointed not to take the three points. That would have been really, really important, but we have to carry on."

Pérez believes, despite the frustration of not securing all three, a point against Luciano Spalletti's side is a base to build from in the Europa League as the Foxes contest a group which also includes Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw.

"We knew before the game that they’re a really good team," he added. "They showed they can move the move and create chances. Obviously, if you get into a position in a game where you’re 2-0 up, it’s a great result against these, and we could have done better.

"We could have been a little more clever, but the most important thing we can be better in is on the ball. It’s something we can massively improve. That would have given us more chances, especially in the second half, where the game was more open.

"It would also help us not chase the game as much as we did in some parts of the game. We see the level. They’re one of the favourites to win the competition, so it’s good for us that we start with a point. We’re disappointed not to get the three, but there’s a long way to go.

"There’s many games still to play and hopefully we can improve in that way."

All focus is now on improving granular elements of Leicester's game, says Pérez, who's itching to get back to domestic duties for the Foxes.

"We need to look at ourselves," the 28-year-old continued. "Sometimes we’re not as good on the ball, but it’s all about us because we’ve got such a great team. We can reach a very high level and we can compete against the best teams.

"It’s about trying to find that regularity in terms of performances and results. That continues on Sunday. It’s a tough test for us, but I’m pretty sure we will be ready for it. I can't wait to be back. We've had the international break as well, so it feels like I've been out for six months.

"Obviously, I can't wait to be there helping out the team as much as I can. I'm playing football, which is what I love the most, and I've been trying to keep myself as fit as possible. This game time is helping me for the next couple of the game. It's the last one at Brighton and then I'm able to play again."