Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, 01 May 2026 20:12 / Updated Friday, 01 May 2026 20:32
Ricardo Pereira will play the last match for Leicester Cityon Saturday, on his land Blackburn Rovers. The 32-year-old right-back is out of contract at the end of the season and the departure comes at a difficult time for the club, who have been relegated to League One, England's third tier of football.
The game at Ewood Park will be the Portuguese's 220th and final appearance for the Foxes, ending an eight-year spell at the King Power Stadium following his 2018 move from FC Porto.
Ricardo Pereira's message before leaving Leicester
Ricardo Pereira has sent a farewell message via the club's official page, announcing that tomorrow's game will be his last appearance for Leicester and reflecting on his eight years at the club.
I want to announce that tomorrow will be my last game for Leicester. I wouldn't have wanted to do that, especially with everything that's happened recently. But I couldn't leave without leaving you a message. It was eight years, eight years of ups and downs. Now, the feeling is not so good because of how it will end. I'm sure in a few weeks I'll look back and remember the incredible moments we've had, the trophies, the celebrations, the goals, the relationship with you.
I lost someone very important to me, my mother, who had health problems. I just wanted to thank you all. I always gave my best every moment, even when no one could see me. The injuries, the tough times I really struggled, I always tried to give my best with a smile and treat everyone with respect. Tomorrow will be our last day, but we will definitely see each other again soon.
– the message sent by Ricardo Pereira
Ricairdo Pereira, Leicester defender // PHOTO Imago Images
Ricardo Pereira, eight years at Leicester
Ricardo Pereira signed for Leicester around two years after the story-telling season in which the club won the Premier League immediately after promotion.
However, he was part of the team that won the FA Cup and was decisive in the 2021/22 European campaign, when his goal against PSV Eindhoven took the team to the semi-finals of the Conference League.
He was also instrumental in Enzo Maresca's side that won the Championship and brought the club back to the Premier League.
After relegation to the third tier of English football, Leicester are set for a tricky summer with several key players out of contract. Among them are Jordan Ayew or Patson Daka.
