Ruud van Nistelrooy provided an extremely blunt answer when asked to why he had reversed his decision to hand Jeremy Monga his senior debut.
Monga became the second-youngest Premier League debutant behind Ethan Nwaneri as he came on during Leicester City’s 3-0 loss against Newcastle United.
The 15-year-old entered the pitch with a sponsorless shirt due to Monga being prohibited from wearing a kit featuring a gambling sponsor.
It was a decision that answered the calls of Foxes fans, who demanded that Monga played on Monday night and at long last, they got their wish.
Ruud van Nistelrooy reacts to Jeremy Monga debut
Despite the disappointing result, Monga was given a moment he’ll never forget and Van Nistelrooy was delighted to give him minutes.
The Leicester manager said: “We felt it was the moment to bring him on, to let him have his debut. He showed glimpses of his quality at such a young age. Well done to him and his family for this great moment.”
His next answer then took a strange turn as the Dutchman bluntly responded when quizzed on if he had changed his mind.
“Apparently,” said the 48-year-old.
Was Van Nistelrooy forced to play Monga?
Mood is at an all-time low at the King Power Stadium, as proved by the mass exodus of supporters before the half time whistle has even been blown.
The inclusion of Monga was the only thing for Leicester fans to cheer – and cheer they did.
But, one fan posited the theory that the decision to play the youngster was one to boost morale.
With some of Europe’s biggest clubs eyeing up Monga, who can’t sign a professional contract until he’s 17, teams would be able to poach him for a small tribunal fee.
Leicester will do everything they can to keep the winger and have already laid out their plan for Monga, but it’s going to be a tough battle to fend off the interest.