Leonardo Ulloa signs new two-year deal with Leicester
Thursday 24 August 2017 17:21, UK
Leonardo Ulloa has committed his future to Leicester by a signing a new two-year deal with the Foxes - just seven months after handing in a transfer request at the King Power Stadium.
Ulloa appeared certain to leave the Premier League club earlier this year after falling out with previous manager Claudio Ranieri, who he claimed reneged on a promise to allow the striker to leave during the January transfer window.
However, in a remarkable turnaround, the 31-year-old feels as though his relationship with the club has been rebuilt under new manager Craig Shakespeare, who replaced Ranieri midway through last season.
Ulloa will now remain with the Foxes until the summer of 2019.
"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," Ulloa said in a statement on Leicester's website.
"That is so important and I am so happy for this two-year contract. Now I have to fight to play. I will train and give my best. I appreciate it a lot to stay here and I am so happy here now.
"For that, I want to continue in this in the same way by working hard and working my best for the club."
Ulloa faces competition for places this season, with Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki, Islam Slimani, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa also fighting for first-team opportunities.
Despite his strength in depth up front, Foxes boss Shakespeare is delighted to have secured Ulloa for two more years.
"Leo's goals and performances have been key to some wonderful moments for this football club since he first joined and I'm delighted to have him with us for another two years," Shakespeare said.
"He's a popular member of the squad and gives us an excellent option in attack."
