By Vicki Connelly
Club Brugge fans started the party early on Tuesday night, ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Leicester City.
The Belgian fans arrived in the city centre at midday, gathering at the fan zone that had been set up for them in Jubilee Square, which included music, food and drink stands, and big screens that informed the fans what they could expect to find in Leicester.
As the day went on, the pubs surrounding the King Power Stadium, (also known as the Leicester City Stadium when hosting Champions League matches), were filled with home and away fans soaking up the atmosphere.
Miquel Olivier, 25, who has been a Club Brugge fan since he was five, said: “We left on the coach at midnight, got here for about midday and we go home straight after the game.
“The atmosphere in Leicester has been amazing, and the City fans have been so nice to us, wishing us good luck, and we congratulated them on winning the Premier League.”
He added: “The city has been so welcoming to us, and I would like to come back again so I can explore the city properly, instead of just spending a few hours here and going straight home.”
Jente Dermaut, 51, who is also a Club Brugge fan said: “The story of Leicester’s success from last season is being talked about all over the world, and I’ve been following them since it became clear that they had a chance of winning the Premier League.
“It’s amazing to be able to come here and follow my team, Club Brugge, but it is such a privilege to be able to say that I have been to the home of the champions.”
He added: “This afternoon, me and my friends went to the Foxes club shop so we could get our own merchandise, just so we have something to remember this experience by.”
Leicester City beat Club Brugge 2-1, with Shinji Okazaki scoring after just five minutes, and Riyad Mahrez scoring from the penalty spot.
After Group G being won with one game to go, City have secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
