Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has sent a heart-warming message to Leicester City after securing a summer move away from the King Power Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Earlier this week, Besiktas struck an agreement with Leicester City to sign Ndidi for a €9.5 million bargain fee, facilitated by a relegation release clause in the contract of the Nigeria international.
On Friday, the 28-year-old midfielder was officially unveiled by the Black Eagles on Friday after signing a three-year contract with an option for a further year, bringing an end to his eight-year stay at the East Midlands club.
In a warm parting message to Leicester City and its fans, Ndidi expressed his gratitude to the Foxes for being such a crucial part of his professional journey.
“Thank you, Leicester City, for the love, memories, and opportunity to grow—on and off the pitch,” Ndidi wrote in a post on Instagram.
“Lifting the FA Cup, fighting every game, and feeling your support has meant the world to me. To the fans, teammates, staff—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Once a Fox, always a Fox.”
Leicester City thanks Wilfred Ndidi for 8 years of service
Ndidi joined Leicester City from Genk in 2017 and went on to make 303 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes. He scored 18 goals and won the Emirates FA Cup, FA Community Shield and Sky Bet Championship title.
“Wilfred joined us from Belgian side Genk in January 2017 and became a key figure in our midfield across eight seasons at King Power Stadium. He made 303 appearances in all competitions, finding the net 18 times,” a statement on Leicester’s official website.
“A tireless and combative presence in the centre of the pitch, Wilf played a vital role in some of the Club’s most successful moments in recent years – helping us to consecutive fifth place finishes in the Premier League, lifting the Emirates FA Cup and FA Community Shield in 2021, and winning the Sky Bet Championship title in 2023/24.
“Having arrived as a promising 20-year-old, Wilf departs as a seasoned international with the admiration of team-mates, staff and supporters alike for his efforts and achievements in a Leicester City shirt. He leaves with the sincere thanks and best wishes of everyone at Leicester City for the next chapter of his career.”
With the blessings of his former club, Ndidi will now set out to help Besiktas dislodge Galatasaray from their throne at the summit of the Turkish Super Lig.