The latest Leicester City news as the manager has sent a message to fans and the club after returning as an opposition manager for the first time since leaving in 2015

Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has thanked the fans and the club for the welcome he and his staff got upon his return to the King Power Stadium.

Saturday’s game against Bristol City was the first time that the manager had returned as opposition boss since leaving the club following the great escape season in 2015. Pearson was the last manager to lead City to promotion from the Championship, something which Enzo Maresca is now looking to emulate.

The game also saw the return of former City midfielders Andy King and Matty James as well as former physio Dave Rennie for the first time since they left the club. All were given a rousing reception, with both King and James doing a lap of honour after the game.

King, who was visibly emotional at the reception from City fans, sent a heartfelt message on social media on Sunday morning. Pearson has now done the same, the manager was on crutches so unable to walk around the pitch but acknowledged the crowd as his name was sung after the full-time whistle.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pearson has written: “I want to thank the @BristolCity and @LCFC fans for the wonderful support for myself and staff, yesterday. The way #LCFC looked after our families was incredibly generous and respectful. Thank you, from the four of us, on behalf of their families.”

The game ended in a 1-0 win to City, with Jamie Vardy scoring the crucial penalty in the second half after Wilfred Ndidi was tripped by Kal Naismith. The result moved Maresca’s team to the top of the Championship table, having won seven of their eight league games so far this season.