Chelsea FA Cup tie evokes Wembley memories for Leicester

Marc Albrighton is one of two current Leicester players who have won the Premier League and the FA Cup with the club

"To hit a ball like that, on that stage, and on a day like that, is something that dreams are made of," said Leicester winger Marc Albrighton.

The Belgium international midfielder's 25-yard strike was the only goal of the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final between the two sides evokes fond memories for the Foxes team who won that day.

"To see what it meant to so many people, to feel what it meant to myself, it was a day I will never forget," Albrighton told BBC Radio Leicester.

"There weren't too many celebrations because we were playing Chelsea again a few days later to get into the Champions League, plus there were Covid restrictions."

Albrighton, now 34, was initially left out of manager Brendan Rodgers' starting side, before coming on as a 34th-minute substitute for defender Jonny Evans.

Christian Fuchs, Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, Jamie Vardy and Albrighton celebrate winning the 2021 FA Cup

"I knew Jonny [Evans] was struggling," Albrighton said. "I know when he's fit and when he's not.

"He pushed himself to start, for which I don't blame him in the slightest.

"I was half-prepared for it, but obviously when you are standing on the touchline to come on at Wembley in the FA Cup final, there is nothing that can fully prepare you for that."

Out of the 15 Leicester players who played that day, Albrighton is one of five who are still in the club's squad, with just three of those who featured for Chelsea remaining at Stamford Bridge.

Aside from Albrighton, legendary Foxes striker Jamie Vardy is the only remaining member of the team that won a Premier League medal with the Foxes in 2016.

"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster at times," said Albrighton, reflecting on his 10-year spell at the King Power Stadium since joining from Aston Villa.

"It's been absolutely incredible to see how far this club has come.

Albrighton (left) has made 312 appearances for Leicester since he joined the club in 2014

"I'm not sure what next season brings. Whatever happens, I've absolutely loved my time here, it's been such a special part of my life."

The last three years have not been smooth for Leicester or Chelsea. The Blues sit in 11th place in the Premier League, having finished 12th last season.

A recent dip in form leaves the Foxes under some pressure to hold on to their lead in the Championship, as they try to return to the top fight after relegation last May.

"We were spoilt a little bit at the start of the season with win, after win, after win. It was never going to be that easy," Albrighton insisted.

"This is the period now where we need to really dig in and see it through. Sunday is a nice distraction to have, it will be a great occasion.

"It's going to be a very tough game, but it's one that I'm looking forward to.

"If there is one thing that Leicester fans can take from the last 10 years, it's that they have got the right to dream."

Marc Albrighton was speaking to BBC Radio Leicester's When You're Smiling Podcast