Enzo Maresca delivers a ‘sad’ remark about a Leicester City player he admires in his final season

Albrighton made his first appearance for Leicester City since September in Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup triumph over Millwall, whipping in the cross for Cesare Casadei’s opening.

Enzo Maresca is “sad” that he hasn’t been able to give Marc Albrighton more chances in what could be his final season at Leicester City.

After Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Millwall, Maresca lavished praise on the title-winning winger, who supplied the cross for Cesare Casadei to head in the opener. It was Albrighton’s first start since September, with Stephy Mavididi, Abdul Fatawu, and Kasey McAteer having more starts this season.

Albrighton has not started a league game this season, with his eight Championship substitute appearances totaling just 78 minutes. The loving City fans have sung his name every time he has come on, and Saturday’s encounter at the Den ended with the visiting supporters serenading him.

Although Maresca has not known Albrighton for as long, the manager is also a strong supporter. However, this has not resulted in regular game time.

“To be honest, I love Marc,” Maresca admitted. “He’s great; he works every day, he’s very professional, and he’s a nice guy.” He assists everyone.

“He knows the club better than I do, but also better than many, many others.” He’s incredible. I’m disappointed that I couldn’t give him more chances. But he understands entirely. Marc is incredible.”

Albrighton’s contract at the King Power Stadium ends at the end of the season, which might be the end of his stint there. The 34-year-old joined City on a free transfer from Aston Villa a decade ago and has made 307 appearances for the club, ranking 29th all-time.

Maresca has stated that the club would begin weighing the futures of players whose contracts expire in the summer in February. In addition to Albrighton, Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Jannik Vestergaard, Dennis Praet, and Alex Smithies’ existing contracts expire in June.

City have so far given out three new contracts this season, signing Hamza Choudhury to a new contract until 2027 in September and recent academy graduates Ben Nelson and Wanya Marcal to new terms until 2027 and 2026, respectively, last month.