Bristol City were beaten 1-0 by Leicester City at the King Power Stadium but the afternoon had an added layer of emotion for four members of the Robins

Andy King confesses that the ovation he received upon his return to Leicester City was “more than he could have imagined,” as the Bristol City midfielder’s affinity with Foxes fans remains as strong as ever.

King, manager Nigel Pearson, teammate Matty James, and Robins head of medical Dave Rennie all returned to the King Power Stadium on Saturday for the first time since their departures, each having played a significant role in the club’s rise over the previous decade to eventual Premier League champions.

King was named among the City substitutes and was roundly applauded before, during and after the game, in particular in the first-half as he ran down the touchline for his warm-up, with sections of the King Power standing in admiration, singing his name passionately, with the 34-year-old responding by blowing kisses in their direction and holding his chest.

King made 379 appearances for the Foxes from 2007 to 2019, rising through the academy to become a first-team regular and the Wales international was part of two promotions and the Premier League title-winning squad. He joined boyhood club City on a free transfer in 2021 after leaving Leicester and has become a key member of Pearson’s squad as player and coach.

“Lots of positives to take from the team’s performance yesterday, we’ll be stronger as a group for that,” King said to Instagram.

“Leicester City, sometimes words can’t express how I felt or how I felt about a situation; yesterday was one of those afternoons.” The greeting you gave me was beyond my wildest dreams, and the sensations I felt during that time will stay with me forever.

“I’m so glad I got the chance to come back and see you all again and after the game be able to relive all those amazing memories. Good luck for the rest of the season. Kingy.”

Pearson, meanwhile, tried to keep his return as understated as possible as he didn’t want to take any focus away from the game. The City manager led the Foxes to promotion out of League One and the Championship, over two spells, before leaving in 2015 and Saturday’s 1-0 defeat was the first time he’s managed an opposition club at the King Power since then.

With numerous family members watching on, including his father, he admitted after the game it was hard to hold back the tears, as stoic and professional as he tried to remain throughout the afternoon.

“It means a lot. My family are all here, my dad’s here too because he used to love coming here and then going out for a smoke at half-time!” Pearson said. “So he’s here and he’s 89, I’ve got my grandchildren here as well.

“I’m so glad I got the chance to come back and see you all again and after the game be able to relive all those amazing memories. Good luck for the rest of the season. Kingy.”

Pearson, meanwhile, tried to keep his return as understated as possible as he didn’t want to take any focus away from the game. The City manager led the Foxes to promotion out of League One and the Championship, over two spells, before leaving in 2015 and Saturday’s 1-0 defeat was the first time he’s managed an opposition club at the King Power since then.

With numerous family members watching on, including his father, he admitted after the game it was hard to hold back the tears, as stoic and professional as he tried to remain throughout the afternoon.

“It means a lot. My family are all here, my dad’s here too because he used to love coming here and then going out for a smoke at half-time!” Pearson said. “So he’s here and he’s 89, I’ve got my grandchildren here as well.