I didn’t feel wanted and valued at Leicester City – Demarai Gray

Former Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has opened up on difficult final months at Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers before his departure to Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window.

Gray joined Leicester City in January 2016 from his boyhood club and was a Premier League winner in the same season under Claudio Ranieri. He also started under Claude Puel but has found things difficult under Rodgers eventually leading to his departure from the King Power stadium.

Gray, who was entering the final months of his contract revealed he was not offered a contract and he also didn’t ask because he didn’t feel wanted and valued.

“No, there was no contract offer, there weren’t any discussions about it.I didn’t go knocking asking for one because I wanted to be, if I was to stay, at a club where I was wanted and valued. I didn’t feel that, I wasn’t playing. I didn’t take it personally – it’s just football.” Gray told a news conference.

“We had quite a few chats throughout last season. It was a bit of a broken season but it was made clear if I wanted to move on I could. I thought it was the right time if I’m being realistic.

“As you approach the last year of your contract you get an idea if a team wants to keep you. I had a few discussions with Brendan – open and honest. I told him how I felt and where I stood and we agreed these things happen, where you do need a fresh start. There was never any drama.

“It was tough to deal with because I applied myself right, still trained and went in with the attitude hoping to get an opportunity.”

Gray took up the challenge of moving to Germany like fellow English youngsters, Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Ryan Sessegnon and he scored on his debut in a 5-2 demolition of Stuttgart.

“I got a good feeling from the club, the way this team plays and what they are competing for – Champions League football. (Bayern) Munich are at the top but it’s a club which will compete for titles,” he said about signing for Leverkusen.

“It made sense to me, it felt right which was most important. I didn’t want to make a decision just because I’m in a hurry to play football again. The challenge is the perfect one for me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.”