Decordova-Reid joins Foxes on three-year deal

LONDON, England (CMC):

Reggae Boy Bobby Decordova-Reid has joined newly promoted Leicester City on a three-year deal, becoming manager Steve Cooper's first signing ahead of the new English Premiership season starting next month.

The 31-year-old, a pacy forward who has been capped 33 times for Jamaica, was released by Fulham last month after making more than 200 appearances in nearly five years at the west London outfit.

"Turning up here was a special moment, looking in and seeing the infrastructure," Decordova-Reid said.

"It's got that wow factor. It feels nice. I landed on Tuesday and now I'm signing, so it's been a quick turnaround but obviously, I'm delighted to be here and I can't wait to get going

"I had a good chat with the manager, he told me the vision of the club and sold it for me. I spoke to him a few times and he was very clear in what he wanted and what he saw in me.

"He believes in me and it's a perfect fit. It's going to be a very interesting season."

Decordova-Reid scored seven goals from 43 appearances in all competitions last season as Fulham battled to a 13th-place finish in the league.

He arrived at Craven Cottage from Cardiff City in 2019 after an extended spell at Bristol City, which included loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Oldham Athletic and Plymouth Argyle.

Decordova-Reid said he was focused on using all his attributes to help the club flourish in the top flight.

"I want to bring experience. I've got energy, I'd like to say I'm a goalscorer as well and a playmaker. Hopefully, I can bring all of those things and make the squad better," he said.

"I pride myself on those types of things and helping the team, whether that is being a leader within the dressing room or being an experienced player for the younger ones and just being an all-round good person. I think that is key to having a good season.

"It's fallen on me with my age, but I'll take that mantle on. I'm looking to get going, meet my teammates, meet the rest of the staff and keep this club in the Premier League.

"I'll give my all for the club - 100 per cent - and hopefully bring some smiles to faces."

Leicester, who won the Championship last season after being relegated from the Premier League the previous year, face Tottenham in their opening game of the new campaign next month.