Leicester’s Adrien Silva is finaly ready for work
Leicester supporters’ agonising wait for to see their highly rated 2016 European Champion, Adrien Silva, is over. The Premier League handed him permission to debut earlier than expected.
Four months after being registered late to play for Leicester City, Adrien Silva has finally been cleared to join his teammates on the pitch. He was registered immediately after the clock struck 12 on new year’s day. The league officials then allowed him to play against Huddersfield as he has been on the squad list since August.
FIFA blocked the registration of Silva last summer. This decision was taken after it was sent electronically 14-seconds after the deadline. Leicester initially appealed the decision which the football world governing body denied. The club then decided not to take the case to the Court for Arbitration in Sport . Instead they prepared Silva for EPL life while honouring Sporting’s transfer.
The 28-year old has seemed upbeat on social media with his posts. He has mentioned keeping his working hard for his team while being focused on his fitness and family. The Portuguese champion clearly has a great relationship with the squad, notably experienced players such as Christian Fuchs.
Number 14
Silva has embraced his squad number: it is 14. Ring a bell? He is believed to have chosen this squad number in defiance of FIFA’s decision to deny Leicester’s appeal to field him in 2017. A subtle swipe at FIFA as opposed to publicly insults or insubordination. Classy.
In what must have been a depressing time for the midfielder, the constructive way to deal with it is positivity. Many players would have found it difficult to deal with being prohibited from competing in their beloved craft. Some would have slid off the rails: drifting into vices inevitably losing their vigour or conditioning. Silva kept his “head down”, and “grafted” to be ready for the new year.
"Silva was pragmatic when asked about his peculiar situation:“I was disgusted by this, but people calmed me, they advised me that I had to let go of a painful time to express myself in a calmer, less aggressive way. It was the best decision.”"
Premier League Debut
When Adrien Silva was finally introduced to the Foxes fans in a playing capacity they applauded and shouted encouragement for every control and pass. He had around six touches, showing in his brief five-or-so minutes without turning over the ball. Leicester fans are most impressed with Silva’s technique, ability and disposition.
Leicester play League One outfit Fleetwood Town on Saturday in the FA Cup. This occasion will be utilised by the Midlands Club to implement rotation to a fatigued team. Although Silva is expected to start in a midfield-three with Andy King along with Matty James.
Claude Puel’s latest addition will cement the centre piece together, linking play, assisting, not to mention scoring goals. Reclaiming his place in the Portugal World Cup squad is vital. His certainty to be included has cruelly eluded him only since moving to England.