Cambiasso open to longer Foxes stay

29 August 2014 16:01

Esteban Cambiasso has not ruled out the prospect of extending his stay with Leicester beyond his initial one-year contract.

On Thursday the newly promoted Foxes pulled off one of the coups of the current transfer window by bringing Cambiasso to the King Power Stadium.

The former Argentina international midfielder is highly decorated, winning 52 caps for his country.

At club level, after playing for Independiente and River Plate in his homeland, as well as Real Madrid, Cambiasso helped Inter Milan win five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias, four Italian Super Cups and the Champions League during his 10 years at the San Siro.

Released in the summer, it was Leicester and manager Nigel Pearson who convinced Cambiasso his next move should be to the Barclays Premier League, and the likelihood of a relegation scrap.

Preferring to speak in English rather than his native Spanish, the 34-year-old said: "I don't know how it (the move) began, but I know the club and the club had an idea.

"For them the first option was Cambiasso; the second was Cambiasso and the third was Cambiasso.

"Once I knew this I called my agent and I said 'we go there'.

"Now, I need to know everything about the club, and the most important thing for all is I know my team-mates and my coach. I have time, but I need to learn quickly."

As far as Cambiasso is concerned, playing in the Premier League ticks one final box, adding: "I've played in my country, Spain and Italy.

"For my future, I wanted to play in the Premier League. This is a great opportunity for me.

"I am happy and it's the beginning of a bit of history in the Premier League."

Asked whether Leicester might be the last stop in his exemplary career, Cambiasso replied: "I don't know. I am happy to stay here, I chose here.

"But it's better to walk than run. It's not just about whether I am happy, but also my family. If everyone is happy then maybe we can stay for longer."

Whether Cambiasso makes his City debut at home to Arsenal on Sunday first depends on whether international clearance is received in time.

Certainly Cambiasso's fitness does not appear in question as he came through all the tests ahead of his signing with flying colours, and trained with his new team-mates on Friday.

Boss Nigel Pearson has also confirmed that, despite Cambiasso's status, he has been well received by all the players and does not believe he will upset the equilibrium.

"To be at the training ground and see the excitement of the players, he will add a lot to what is already a pretty talented squad," Pearson said.

"But he is here as a footballer - not someone to simply put bums on seats. I don't like doing deals for commercial reasons.

"He is a very capable player who will complement what we have. He has a great knowledge of football, and he will be a very valuable asset for us this season. He is a really positive addition.

"It's obviously a big change from what he has done before, but what I like about him is his desire to be a part of this side."

Pearson appreciates, however, that only circumstances have led to him pulling off the capture of such a big name.

"If he was seven or eight years younger then he wouldn't be playing for us," Pearson added.

"We know we've a player who probably would not be available to us, and that's because of his age.

"But this is a new challenge for him. He is focused on the present and he still wants to be a success."

The acquisition of Cambiasso has resulted in Leicester dropping their interest in Wigan's James McArthur.

Pearson would still like in to bring in two more players, likely to be QPR defender Danny Simpson and Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dame N'Doye.

Source: PA