Ulloa: I Am So Happy Here
- Leonardo Ulloa says he will give everything to the Leicester City cause after signing a new deal
- The Argentine has put pen-to-paper on a new two-year contract
- Ulloa has thanked the Blue Army for their continued support
- He described his time at the Foxes as some of the biggest moments he has ever experienced
The Argentine frontman penned a deal that runs until 2019 on Thursday and has to date scored 20 goals for the Foxes.
Ulloa finished as top scorer during his first season at the Club, before going on to net some vital goals en route to the 2015/16 Premier League title.
Speaking exclusively to LCFC TV, he said: “I am so happy because I have lived massive moments with this Club and it makes me happy to stay here and fight to help the team and increase the Club’s history. That is so important and I am so happy for this two-year contract.
“At the moment, it’s difficult to put into perspective but we know the history of the title was very important for the Club – it was a massive moment for the Club and my career. It was the most important thing that I’ve lived in football.
“For that, I appreciate a lot to stay here and I am so happy here now. I want to continue in this in the same way by working hard and working my best for the Club.”
My Favourite Goals: Leonardo Ulloa
City striker Leonardo Ulloa talks LCFC TV through some of his favourite goals for the Foxes...
Ulloa arrived at the Club in the summer of 2014 from Brighton & Hove Albion and made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Everton – City’s first Premier League goal for a decade.
“For me, when I came here, I didn’t expect to be part of this history,” said Ulloa. “I came here to try and give my best always but the first and second years were massive.
“We were safe in the first year and after we won the title, which was the best. I’ve enjoyed a lot but now it’s a different way. We have grown as a Club and as a team as well. Now, we have to fight with the big teams.
“When I arrived to the Premier League, it was my first here and the ambition to play and make some big goals was on a high level. I tried to do my best at the time.
“The second year was different for me because my role was different in the team, but I enjoyed that as well because I was training hard to be ready to play.
“Now I have to fight to play and I will train and give my best. I’ll try and enjoy, not just the games but when I train as well.”
Ulloa has become a fans’ favourite at the Foxes and his name can often be heard ringing around King Power Stadium and in away ends across the country when the 31-year-old dons Leicester colours.
He continued: “I know what the fans say, but they can’t say that I cost a fortune because we have new players now!
“I love them – I always appreciate it when I’m on the pitch or when they cross me in the street because they always support me. For every player, that is very important – not only the team but when the fans support the individual players as well.
“It’s very important for the motivation because if you have more to give, you have to give it to them. In the last three years, they have been amazing.
“Last season was difficult for me but they still supported me. I appreciated this a lot and all I can say is thank you everything they give to me all the time.”
Ulloa went on to explain how effective Craig Shakespeare’s methods have been on the training pitch and how that has paid dividends during games.
“I have to say congratulations because what he did last season, he deserves this opportunity,” said City’s No.23. “He knows me very well because he’s been at the Club for a long time and when I arrived he was here.
“He has very good ideas about the team and he knows the team very well. He can give so many things that are different and it’s very important that he stays with us.
“I enjoy the training every day because it’s different. He wants to get the ball, keep it and pass, but also counter-attack as well. The idea is very good for the team and for me as well.”
The Foxes now have a group of talented attacking players and, while competition for spots in the starting XI is high, Ulloa says it is something that he will thrive off.
He added: “Now, I think the level of the team has increased step-by-step. That is very good for the Club. We have to continue to increase the Club and that is more important. I have to fight for my place in the starting XI.
“It’s hard because competition in the attack is difficult. We have a lot of strikers, but that is very good for the coach and for the team as well. We have to give more than 100 per cent if we want to play.
“Shinji [Okazaki] has two goals, [Jamie] Vardy has two goals and yesterday (Tuesday), [Islam] Slimani made two goals as well. That is important because all the forwards want to play.
“They show to the manager that they are the best and this competition with each other in attack is good for the team. I like this and I will try to give my best – 100 per cent every day. When I’m coming on or if I have to play, I will give everything for the team.”