The midfielder missed the entirety of last season through injury
Leicester City midfielder Matty James hopes to create more success with the Foxes after missing the whole of their title-winning campaign through injury.
The 24-year-old ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in the Foxes 36th game of the 2014/15 season, in their first campaign back in the Premier League, under previous boss Nigel Pearson as they avoided relegation. However, he has yet to feature under Claudio Ranieri.
If it wasn’t for James’ injury, Danny Drinkwater may not have got a look in, after the now England international made his breakthrough in the Premier League and for England.
James was invited to take part in celebrations by his teammates, when they lifted the Premier League trophy in their final home game of the season, against Everton, but wasn’t able to collect a winner’s medal.
However, the Foxes midfielder dreams of creating his own special memories with the Foxes, as they prepare to embark on a Champions League campaign. And he has special memories of the moment he almost tasted Champions League football.
“Last season I was over the moon for the lads last season but it was difficult to watch.” James admitted. “It was tough, mentally it was a real battle.
“I had to have two operations that were tough times.
“I got back after seven months but played at Blackburn for the U21s, twisted funny, and ended up having a little tear in my meniscus again and had to go back in for surgery again.
“I didn’t get a medal but I am just happy to be back fit for this season.”
James was an unused sub during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at United, during a Champions League fixture against Wolfsburg, but he now believes he is ready to compete in Europe’s elite competition.
“I am not coming back to a team which survived but the Premier League champions and Champions League football.” said James. “I didn’t think I was going to play in the Champions League at Leicester but I was on the bench in it previously at Wolfsburg.
“United had already qualified for the knock-out stages and five or six of us youngsters were on the bench.
“You train the night before at the stadium and you have the kit on with the Champions League badges.
“Wolfsburg’s fans were unbelievable and there was an instance where I thought I was coming on and my legs started to shake and then Sir Alex changed his mind and I sat back down and was pretty happy to be honest.
“But this year being new to the Champions League, I think Leicester could scare one or two people the way we play.”
