‘I’m deprived of what I love’; AFCON ace makes Leicester plea among obvious exit hint

Nampalys Mendy has made it clear he is unhappy with his ‘complicated’ situation at Leicester City, with doubts raised over the midfielder’s future.

The 29-year-old moved to King Power Stadium in the summer of 2016. Signed by Claudio Ranieri in the wake of the Foxes Premier League triumph, it was hoped he would add steel to the midfield. However, things have not gone to plan for the Senegal international in the East Midlands.

Injuries restricted him to just four Premier League appearances during his first season at the club. He was then sent back to Nice on loan for 2017-2018, with 14 Ligue 1 outings for Les Aiglons.

The following season was the French-born schemer’s best in a Leicester shirt, with 23 starts among 31 top-flight outings. But he was back in the reserves the following campaign, with only four league starts.

Foxes fans saw more of him last term as Brendan Rodgers side finished fifth in the standings. The Northern Irishman gave him the nod on 15 occasions, with 23 league outings in total.

However, the tough-tackling player has not been seen in 2021-2022, save for 31 minutes in the EFL Cup. He was left out of the Premier League squad but was selected for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

He has made three appearances for The Lions of Teranga on their march to the semi-finals. But the former Monaco star is clearly frustrated with his Leicester status.

“I knew very well about my club situation,” he said in quotes relayed by Wiwsport, via Sport Witness. “It’s very complicated and very difficult, whether it be mentally, it’s complicated when I’m deprived of what I love, but I’m passionate.”

Most players struggle for international recognition unless they are playing regularly for their club side. Mendy has bucked