Pérez: A Great Way To Finish The Season
- Leicester City beat Southampton 4-1 on the final day of the 2021/22 Premier League season
- James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Ayoze Pérez were all on the scoresheet on Filbert Way
- Pérez highlighted the support from the Blue Army during the final day victory at King Power Stadium
The Spaniard came off the bench to score twice in the second half and contributed to an emphatic final day success for the Foxes, with James Maddison and Jamie Vardy also on the scoresheet at King Power Stadium.
Speaking to LCFC TV following full-time on Filbert Way, the midfielder gave his assessment of the game, citing the importance of finishing the season as high as possible. Leicester concluded the campaign in eighth, their joint-fourth highest Premier League finish.
“It’s a very good win to finish the season," he commented. "We wanted to finish as strong as possible to get eighth place, so it’s a great result against a tough opposition. We can start again next season, and hopefully we can improve a little bit next season and finish higher.
“It was really entertaining to watch, a lot of goals, we knew we could be better in the second half, we changed a couple of things, and then after that, after we scored the first goal, we made it slightly easier. We controlled the game, we managed the counter attack and we scored some goals."
Vardy added to his league goal tally on Filbert Way on Sunday afternoon, which stands at 15 in 25 appearances, and Pérez praised the contribution of City's No.9, despite his injury setbacks this term.
“He had to score," the 28-year-old continued. "Every time he ends up scoring, I knew it was going to come. He’s been brilliant these last few games. We’ve missed him earlier in the season but he’s scored so many goals for us and next season he can do the same."
Making 24 appearances this term, Pérez has found opportunities limited, but relished the chance to get some minutes and contribute to a fine final day performance in front of the home fans.
“It was good," he told the Club's official website. "It hasn’t been a great season for myself, not easy at all, but it’s a great feeling for some game time and to be able to score two goals. Obviously I’m happy to be able to be in a position to do that.
“We were trying to manage the game the last couple of minutes, keeping the ball so they could not attack. But we found the spaces and we got up there and we have a great link between Ricky (Ricardo Pereira) and myself. It was a great goal.
“It’s really important. That was our target for the last few games. We have much to play for but it’s great to finish the season on a high, to finish strong, to get great results and think about what we can achieve next season."
The support from the Blue Army was also at the front of Pérez's mind, and he was keen to praise their backing throughout the season, especially during a difficult run. He is now looking forward to resting and recovering before the new campaign starts.
“It’s been 50-something games," he added. "It’s been a long season, so many games. The players have been brilliant and now [we have] a little break to relax, to rest, and then totally focus on next season because it’s going to be an important one and we need to achieve something big.
“It’s really nice. Thanks to the fans as well for staying and for their amazing support through the whole season. It’s an amazing day, a great result and hopefully more to come for them next season.”