“A perfect choice for me”

Speaking in his first interview at the club’s training ground in Seagrave, the 31-year-old explained why he believes joining the Foxes is the right next step for his career, signing a three-year deal after spending almost five years at Fulham.

Arriving straight from his Copa America appearance, the Jamaica international revealed that positive conversations with Steve Cooper were important in his decision to make Leicester his new home.

“Coming here was a special moment, seeing the infrastructure,” De Cordova-Reid said from the LCFC training ground. “It’s impressive. It’s nice. I landed on Tuesday and now I’m signing so it’s been a quick change but obviously I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.”

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“I had a good chat with the manager, he explained the vision of the club and sold it to me. I spoke to him a few times and he was very clear about what he wanted and what he saw in me. He believes in me and that suits me perfectly. It will be a very interesting season.”

With his experience in a newly promoted team in the top flight, it will be essential for all involved to build on last season’s Sky Bet Championship title win, according to De Cordova-Reid, in order to regain the upper hand in the Premier League. He acknowledged it won’t be easy, but he has confidence in the quality of the players around him.

“We have to stay together as a team first and foremost,” the forward continued. “There will be ups and downs and we have to understand that the downs won’t last that long if we keep doing the right things and being consistent in what we do.

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“We have to follow the manager’s way of playing. Everyone has to buy into his philosophy, it will be a change from the previous manager. From what I see, there is a good group of guys here who are willing to learn and put into practice the manager’s methods.

“We have a team full of winners who have won the league. Hopefully we can take that to the Premier League. We have a lot of experience with players who have played in the Premier League before, so we will fight and the fans know that. Obviously we want to do well, hopefully the fans will stay with us and be patient.”

With a focus on his own abilities, Bristol-born De Cordova-Reid is keen to play a role on and off the pitch, offering his knowledge gained from his playing experience and aiming to continue his excellent record in front of goal.

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“I want to bring experience,” the forward added. “I have energy, I would like to say that I am also a goalscorer and a playmaker. I hope I can bring all these things and make the team better.”

“I pride myself on those kinds of things and helping the team, whether it’s being a leader in the locker room or being an experienced player for the younger guys and just being an all-around good person. I think that’s the key to having a good season.

“My age has made me waste my time, but I’m going to take on that responsibility. I want to get going, meet my team-mates, meet the rest of the staff and keep this club in the Premier League. I’m going to give everything for the club, 100%, and I hope to bring a smile to some people’s eyes.”