The midfielder spent the majority of his career at the club and led Foxes supporters on some incredible experiences, so it’s simple to see why he’s so well-regarded.

Fans are never pleased when one of their idols asks a move to another club, but it appears Izzet has built up enough goodwill to put the transfer controversy behind him.

The former Turkey international has since been seen enjoying later Leicester victories, demonstrating that the link between player and club remains strong.

Muzzy Izzet proved an inspired purchase for Leicester City

Izzet joined Leicester on loan in 1996 and played a key role in the team’s promotion to the Premier League during his first season.

After convincing then-manager Martin O’Neill of the need for a permanent relocation, they submitted an offer of £800k to parent club Chelsea, which was accepted.

Although it was a huge financial investment for Leicester at the time, it would prove to be well worth it.

Izzet made 300 appearances for Leicester, scoring 44 goals and providing 21 assists before moving to Birmingham City in 2004.

Muzzy Izzet’s Leicester City legacy could have been undone with transfer requests

Despite his extensive track record with one club, the midfielder’s legacy was threatened in 2001 and 2002. This started with a transfer request he made to the management in October 2001.

Izzet expressed dissatisfaction with the club during conversations with manager Dave Bassett, as reported by the Guardian at the time. Fans do not want to hear such things from their favorite player.

“It was a very difficult decision for me and I have agonised over it for several months,” he told reporters.”But my desire is to be as successful as possible and, although it hurts me to say it, I think it is in my best interests that I have a new challenge away from Leicester City.”

Despite reports of interest from Aston Villa and Leeds United, Izzet remained at Leicester City.

Then, in the summer of 2002, Izzet was again pressing for a shift, this time specifying his preferred location. O’Neill, the manager who had brought him to Leicester, was now at Scottish Premiership club Celtic, and Izzet was interested in the move.

The BBC quoted him as saying: “I don’t know what the situation at Celtic is and what their budget is, but I’m hoping Martin will be in touch because I’ll definitely speak to him.”

“I can’t say too much as Martin hasn’t been in touch but only an idiot wouldn’t consider joining Celtic.”

Openly attempting to control your departure from a club, particularly for a major person like Izzet, will never go over well with fans, but there is nothing to suggest that it has harmed his legacy over the last two decades.

Muzzy Izzet left Leicester City in 2004 with his legacy intact

Izzet stayed with the Foxes for two years until leaving at the end of his contract in 2004 to join Birmingham.

Despite his transfer controversy, he received a warm send-off in his final home game before making the switch, with banners in the crowd thanking him for the memories and a presentation on the pitch recognising his achievements throughout the years.

Over a decade later, Leicester won the Premier League, and Izzet was among the celebrations, surprise supporters and becoming an idol.

It appears that his temporary transfer difficulties were not held against him for long, demonstrating the strength of feeling for what he contributed for the club during his time there.

His flirtations with Celtic and move away could have destabilized a lesser man, but Izzet is still a hero at the King Power.

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