Andy King dedicates 10 years at Leicester to tragic childhood pal who died fighting in Afghanistan
The 28-year-old is the only player in England to have won the title in League One, the Championship and Premier League with the same club
ANDY KING has used the 10th anniversary of his debut for Leicester City to pay tribute to the childhood pal who tragically died serving his country in Afghanistan – and has inspired him throughout his career.
He is also the Foxes highest-ever scoring midfielder and currently sits 12th in Leicester’s all time appearance list.
However whenever he hears himself described as an unsung hero, King’s thoughts turn to the true hero he grew up with and still inspires him to this day.
Ahead of Wales’ crunch world cup qualifier, he revealed: “I grew up with a friend from school called Dan who wanted to go into the army, while I wanted to be a footballer.
"He achieved his goal but trod on a mine in Afghanistan and died.
“Whenever I think the going is getting tough I think about Dan.
"I have lived my dream and he achieved his but how could I possibly complain when things don’t go my way in something as small as football when he has paid the highest price for his country?
“We both had our dreams and he went his way and I went my way, so I feel massively grateful and lucky to be in the position I am in.
“Whenever I see people complaining or moaning because they are out of the team I think how can you possibly moan when there are people who are living their dream, but ultimately it costs them their life!
Monday marked the 10th anniversary of King’s Leicester debut, aged 18, against Wolves on in the Championship. He admits he never dreamed he would one day complete a historic hat-trick of Premier League, Championship and League one titles – an achievement he doubts will ever be repeated.