‘A Perfect Fit For Me’ - De Cordova-Reid’s Foxes Message
Speaking during his first interview inside the Club’s training facility in Seagrave, the 31-year-old outlined why he felt joining the Foxes was the right next step for his career, signing a three-year deal after spending almost five years at Fulham.
Arriving straight from his participation in Copa América, the Jamaica international revealed that positive conversations with Steve Cooper were of importance in his decision to make Leicester his new home.
“Turning up here was a special moment, looking in and seeing the infrastructure,” De Cordova-Reid commented from LCFC Training Ground. “It’s got that wow factor. It feels nice. I landed on Tuesday and now I’m signing so it’s been a quick turnaround but obviously I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get going.
“I had a good chat with the Manager, he told me the vision of the Club and sold it for me. I spoke to him a few times and he was very clear in what he wanted and what he saw in me. He believes in me and it’s a perfect fit. It’s going to be a very interesting season.”
With previous experience of playing in a newly promoted top-flight side, continuing the momentum from last season’s Sky Bet Championship title-win will be key for all involved, according to De Cordova-Reid, in order to hitting the ground running back in the Premier League. He acknowledged that it won’t be easy, but is confident in the qualities of the players around him.
“First and foremost, we’ve got to stick together as a squad,” the attacker continued. “There’s going to be times when there are ups and downs and we need to understand that the downs won’t last that long if we continue to do the right things and be consistent in what we’re doing.
“We need to follow the Manager’s way of playing. Everyone has got to buy into his philosophy, it’s going to be a change from the previous manager. By the looks of it, from what I can see, there’s a good group of lads here who are willing to learn and willing to put the Manager’s methods in process.
“There’s a team full of winners having won the Championship. Hopefully we can take it into the Premier League. We’ve got a lot of experience with players who have already been in the Premier League, so we’re going to be fighting and the fans know that. Obviously, we want to do well, hopefully the fans will stick with us and be patient.”
Focusing on his own abilities, Bristol-born De Cordova-Reid is keen to play a role on and off the pitch, offering knowledge from his time in the game and aiming to continue a fine record in front of goal.
“I want to bring experience,” the forward added. “I’ve got energy, I’d like to say I’m a goalscorer as well and a playmaker. Hopefully I can bring all of those things and make the squad better.
“I pride myself on those types of things and helping the team, whether that is being a leader within the dressing room or being an experienced player for the younger ones and just being an all-round good person. I think that is key to having a good season.
“It’s fallen on me with my age, but I’ll take that mantle on. I’m looking to get going, meet my team-mates, meet the rest of the staff and keep this Club in the Premier League. I’ll give my all for the Club, 100 per cent, and hopefully bring some smiles to faces.”