Jannik Vestergaard insists there is “no bad blood” between him and Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy and that he won’t demand to leave the club this summer.
Vestergaard was dropped abruptly from the City side this season, playing regularly under van Nistelrooy until March, when he then didn’t even make the bench for the remainder of the season.
Van Nistelrooy said it was a matter of selection, with Conor Coady and Wout Faes in the starting line-up and with Caleb Okoli on the bench.
But when Faes was injured for the away trip to Brighton, Vestergaard still didn’t make the squad, van Nistelrooy choosing to go without centre-back cover.
Vestergaard, who did continue to train with City’s first team, has now played down his absence from the squad.
While he admits to frustration, he also understood that his performances were not leading to results, and said there is a mutual respect between him and the manager.
The centre-back told Danish outlet Bold: “The manager has made some other choices, but let me emphasise that it has been very frustrating not to be part of the team at all for the last part of the season.
“But I also have to admit that my time on the pitch wasn't fruitful for the team either. Therefore, it's only natural that the manager has looked for something that works and is best for the team. He has naturally looked for what could secure points and survival.
“We have had a nice dialogue. There is mutual respect and no bad blood between us. I also respect that the coach is in a situation where he has to make some difficult decisions.”
Vestergaard also divulged more on his future. Despite suggestions his contract could be cancelled and even with his Denmark manager Brian Riemer urging him to find a club where he can play regularly, the 32-year-old said this week he expects to stay at the King Power Stadium.
Pointing to the two years remaining on his deal, he said there had been no contact from City about their plans for him, and so he is ready to help the club get back into the Premier League.
Expanding on those thoughts, Vestergaard said that he won’t demand to leave the club and believes, as part of the relegated group, there is a duty for him to help the team return to the top flight.
The last time City were relegated, Vestergaard returned from the cold to play a key part in promotion and he is hoping to do the same again.
“No, I won't (ask to leave),” he said. “I don't think you can be aware of that when you have also helped to bring down a club. There must be both responsibility and a duty to help the club back up.
“When you get relegated, you do it as a team. I've always had a hard time with those who say they're not going down, even though they were part of the relegation.
“I've learned here that hard work and patience are mostly well spent. Even if the situation looks bleak, I know it will turn around at some point.”
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Get your special Jamie Vardy edition of the Leicester Mercury
Jamie Vardy souvenir edition of the Leicester Mercury
It was certainly a fairytale ending to Jamie Vardy's Leicester City career - netting his 200th goal in his final match for the club.
To celebrate, we are launching a this special edition of the Leicester Mercury where we look back at the striker's amazing career - his journey from non-league to England international, his greatest goals and where he stands in the Foxes' list of all-time greats.
We also revisit the trophy-winning campaigns - the 2021 FA Cup and, of course, the 2016 Premier League title.
And there are plenty of tributes from those who played with him, against him and worked with him.
Jamie Vardy, it's certainly been a party!
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