Eder Regrets Turning Down Leicester’s Miracle Premier League Move

Eder’s missed Leicester City move is a football story of what might have been. The Italian-Brazilian striker, who once starred for Sampdoria and Inter Milan, has publicly admitted his deep regret at choosing Inter over Leicester City in January 2016—a decision that meant missing out on one of the most extraordinary Premier League triumphs in history.

Eder’s Journey: From Rising Star to Inter Milan

Eder, who arrived in Italy at 19, climbed through the ranks with dedication and talent. His breakthrough at Sampdoria saw him net 49 goals in 135 appearances, earning a call-up to Antonio Conte’s Italy squad and a place at Euro 2016. Renowned for his intelligence, movement, and relentless work rate, Eder was a key second striker behind Graziano Pellè in Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 formation.

By January 2016, Eder had established himself as a consistent Serie A performer, attracting attention from major clubs. Leicester City, led by Claudio Ranieri, made a concrete offer to bring Eder to the Premier League during their now-iconic campaign. The move was reportedly agreed, with the plan for Eder to play just behind Jamie Vardy, amplifying an already potent attack.

Why Eder Chose Inter Milan Over Leicester City

The course of Eder’s career changed after conversations with then-Inter boss Roberto Mancini and sporting director Piero Ausilio. Swayed by the allure of one of Italy’s giants, Eder opted to join Inter Milan on loan. In a recent interview, he revealed: “It was a done deal with Leicester. But Mancini and Ausilio made me change my mind. Ranieri responded with class, telling me, ‘If you want to have fun like a child, come to us.’ I chose Inter and ended up playing little. Leicester went on to win the championship.”

Eder’s time at Inter proved challenging. Over three seasons, he struggled for regular minutes, scoring just 14 goals in 86 appearances, and never found the rhythm or form that defined his Sampdoria days.

The Miracle of Leicester’s Premier League Title

Leicester City’s 2015–16 Premier League win stands as one of football’s greatest upsets. The Foxes, who narrowly escaped relegation the previous season, stunned the world by clinching their first-ever Premier League title. Under Ranieri’s guidance, Leicester thrived thanks to a blend of tactical discipline, electrifying counterattacks, and a strong collective spirit.

Jamie Vardy shattered records by scoring in 11 consecutive league games. Riyad Mahrez provided creativity and goals, while N’Golo Kanté’s relentless energy dominated midfield, and Wes Morgan and Robert Huth formed a resolute defensive partnership. Leicester lost just three times all season, regularly upsetting traditional giants like Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

The club’s title was a testament to smart scouting and team unity, not big spending. For Eder, the regret grew as he watched Leicester’s underdog story unfold—especially knowing he could have played a part in football folklore.

Eder’s Reflections: Regret and Lessons Learned

Looking back, Eder openly concedes that not joining Leicester is his career’s biggest regret. The striker recalls Ranieri’s gracious response and the sense of opportunity missed. “Every now and then I look back at the goals I scored during my best period. What a time,” he said, reflecting on his career highs and lows.

After leaving Inter, Eder’s journey took him to China and Brazil before he retired in 2024. Now, he’s setting his sights on a new challenge—working towards becoming a sporting director and using his experiences to shape football from behind the scenes.

Opinion: Eder’s Story Is a Lesson in Choices and Fate

Eder’s missed opportunity with Leicester highlights how pivotal career decisions can alter the course of history—not just for a player but for a club and its fans. Choosing Inter over Leicester was an understandable move at the time, but football’s magic often lies in the unexpected. Leicester’s title remains a symbol of hope for underdogs everywhere, and Eder’s honesty about his regret is a valuable lesson for aspiring footballers: sometimes, fortune truly favors the bold.

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