Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion haven’t crossed paths too many times in the world of football, both in results and players.
One of the most notable names to have worn the colours of both clubs also happens to be a fan favourite for the two sets of supporters.
In fact, when he played against Leicester for the first time since leaving the Foxes, he was given a standing ovation and serenaded by home and away fans at the King Power Stadium.
For Anthony Knockaert, his time in the East Midlands was one largely filled with happiness, up until his final few months.
Anthony Knockaert hurt by Leicester treatment that led to departure
Knockaert’s time at Leicester certainly wasn’t quiet. He joined from French outfit Guingamp in 2012 and made an immediate impact, winning the young player of the year award but also missed the spot-kick that led to the infamous Troy Deeney goal against Watford in the play-off semi-finals.
One year later he got revenge, scoring at Vicarage Road and played a key role in the Championship title-winning season.
It all changed though in the Premier League and Nigel Pearson suddenly didn’t fancy the Frenchman anymore and his game time rapidly reduced, eventually leading to him rejecting a four-year deal and joining Standard Liege before signing for Brighton in January 2016.
Reflecting on his departure at the time to the Daily Mail in May 2016, Knockaert admitted he felt he deserved better treatment.
“I thought I had the quality to play. But he (Pearson) didn’t give me three games or four games (in a row) to show what I can show, he said. “Sometimes 15 minutes in a game, sometimes 10 minutes. But this is football.
“I loved it there but I didn’t deserve to be treated how I was last season in terms of playing games. I thought I deserved better. That is why I wanted to leave.”
Is Anthony Knockaert still playing football?
All good things come to an end and in Knockaert’s case, he decided to call time on his career in summer 2024.
Aged 32, the maverick winger retired after a spell back in France with Valenciennes, where they were relegated to the third tier.
His time at Leicester and Brighton were his best-known spells but also played for Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield Town, Standard Liege and Volos.