‘A Dream Step For Me’ – Faes’ Leicester City Joy
The 24-year-old – an international team-mate of Belgian City stars Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet – has signed for the Club on a five-year deal. Last term, the soaring centre-back was named as Reims’ player of the season after a standout campaign in Ligue 1.
Faes can’t wait to get started at King Power Stadium – seeing Leicester as the perfect place for him to continue his development, which has included spells with Anderlecht and Oostende, before becoming renowned in France’s top tier as an authoritative defensive presence.
“It’s amazing,” he told LCFC TV, sat inside the magnificent King Power Centre dome in Seagrave. “When I drove into the training ground, I had goosebumps straight away.
“Some people already told me the training ground is amazing. I, on purpose, didn’t look on the internet, but when I saw it, it’s an amazing feeling. It’s not sunk in yet. This is the dream step in my career and I’m very happy to be here.”
Recalling the precise moment he learned of the Club’s interest, Faes added: “I was with my wife in the car, and we almost started crying from happiness! It sounds a bit ridiculous maybe, but it means so much to be able to do this, so we are very happy.
“I spoke to [Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers] on the phone before coming here and when I got here. It felt straight away familiar in a good, positive way, so I’m very happy to be able to train and play under this coach.”
Naturally, Faes is friendly with Castagne, Tielemans and Praet – however his relationship with Tielemans in fact goes back to their childhood. As former school mates with the Club’s No.8, Leicester’s newest signing admits that link has helped him settle in already in the East Midlands.
“This is very funny!” he laughed. “We even trained at school together. It’s very nice. It’s been a long time that I’ve [known] him and I’ve played with him. To come here and do the same is amazing.
“That’s a great point for me, to get into the team and to get to know the guys.
“It’s always easier when you know some guys already so that’s a plus for me. When I came in this morning and I saw some [of the other] guys, they were friendly straight away. They welcomed me like I have been here for a long time. This is very nice to see it happen like this.”
The 6ft 2ins Belgian wants to lead by example at King Power Stadium in the same manner which has endeared him to Reims fans in France. That determined personality – and a desire to always give his all – provides Faes with a confidence that he can quickly make his mark for the Foxes.
“I try to be a leader on the pitch,” Wout explained. “This is something that marks my game. After, I think my positional game is quite strong and I like to be strong in duels.
“This is very important for a centre-back I think. As I said, for me, this is a dream step to come to Leicester. I’m progressing year after year, and I hope to continue doing the same here. All the facilities and all the knowledge is here to help me to get even better.
“I think I will have to work hard and then it will go this way.”
Faes is joining a talented squad, but one which has endured a frustrating start to the new Premier League campaign. He’s ready to give his all to play a part in fixing that.
“Maybe the start of the season hasn’t been the best one, but I am sure there is enough quality in the group and enough quality in the staff to turn this around,” the centre-back said. “We will be ready to work for it, 100 per cent. I will give, myself, 200 per cent even to help the team.
“I have already asked what it feels like at [City] games, I asked the Belgian guys, and they tell me it’s incomparable. I’ve played in France now, but I guess in the Premier League and especially in Leicester at King Power Stadium, it should be amazing. I’m looking forward to it.”