Ricardo: A Super Important Season
The Portuguese full-back was integral for City last term as they limited their time out of the top flight to just one season. The 2024/25 campaign is on the horizon for Steve Cooper's men and Ricardo's overriding emotion is excitement.
A long summer break came to an end on Monday when Leicester's players returned to Seagrave for pre-season testing, with some new faces, namely the Manager. The importance of rest, though, was an emphasis of our catch-up.
"In the summer, most of the time, I was in Portugal, enjoying the time off with my family and then travelling with my girlfriend," the 30-year-old said inside The Box at LCFC Training Ground. "After a long season, it was important to be honest. We had a long time off, but it was really nice to be at home with the family.
Preparations Begin For City
An inside look at some of Leicester City's pre-season work in Seagrave as Steve Cooper's Foxes returned for testing on Monday.
"I travelled to the United States for two weeks and then Portugal and then a time in Ibiza with our friend, Papy [Mendy]. Time off after a long season is really important, especially after a season where you played every three days. You need some time to rest, mentally and physically. Of course, then during the time off, you need to do something because, if not, it’s a long break and then it’ll be tough in pre-season. For me being at home, it makes a huge difference."
The early pre-season signs are encouraging for Ricardo, who was able to get acquainted with some of the new players in the Foxes squad this week. There is enthusiasm for what the new season could bring, the former Porto full-back said.
"I was really excited to start pre-season, see the team-mates again, and see some team-mates that were away… meet the new Manager, the new staff, the new people in the Club," he explained. "I’m looking forward to getting started.
"We’ve had some chats with the new Manager already but it’s still early. It’s good impressions and I think a great thing that he wants is to have a great relationship with everyone. He thinks it’s really important and I agree with that.
"When we arrived in the morning, we’re excited to see everyone, but then you know you have a testing day and some running to do. That’s normal, we know what to expect, and I’m looking forward to starting.
"This year, it will be super important for us to be together with coming back to the Premier League. We know how tough it will be, but at the same time, we know what we need to do. We know we to play as one and be together.
"I think everyone is excited for this season."