Demarai Gray expressed his gratitude for the privilege of scoring one of the most emotional goals in Leicester City’s history as he said goodbye to a “wonderful club”. The winger has moved to Bayer Leverkusen in a £2.7m deal, ending a five-year spell at City. Writing on social media, Gray said he would never forget lifting the Premier League title in his debut season with the club, and scoring the winning goal at Cardiff in the first game after the King Power Stadium helicopter crash, the winger revealing a shirt in dedication to the club’s late chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Demarai Gray wrote: “Today I say goodbye to a wonderful club and family as it is Leicester City I want to thank everyone at the club who has helped me to become a better footballer. My debut and winning the Premier League have been unforgettable moments that will be part of my career forever, together with the goal against Cardiff that I had the privilege to score and dedicate to a wonderful man and chairman, Vichai. I’m ready for a new challenge now and I wish the club and all my teammates a future full of success!”
Demarai Gray added on Twitter: “Ups and downs throughout my time at the club but forever grateful for what the club has done for me.All the best in the future! Onto a new chapter! Thank you for memories.”
Gray had played just twice this season, having fallen down the pecking order at the club. However, with his deal expiring this summer, he was offered a new contract last year, turning it down over a lack of assurances over game-time.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said: “He’s been a really good young player for the club, but he has reached the age now where he wants to be a regular. Unfortunately, the form of Harvey (Barnes) and his progression has stopped that opportunity for him (here). He’s at that age now where he wants to go and play. He was a good boy. He worked really hard and well for me. Now he’s moving on, we wish him all the best.”
Gray joins a Leverkusen side who, like City, are in the last 32 of the Europa League are battling at the top domestically, sitting fifth in the Bundesliga table after 19 games.
