Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has described Leicester City’s season as the “story of the century” and has likened their situation to one he found himself in during his own playing days.
O’Neill was in charge of the Foxes during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history and has been watching with special interest at events this season, with Leicester just one win from sealing a most unlikely Premier League title.
O’Neill led the club to the top flight in his first season in charge and would win two League Cup victories during his four and a half years in charge.
“Of course I had an involvement and I had great time there, four particularly special years,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“The torch passes on and their story is remarkable.”
The Northern Ireland international was part of the Nottingham Forest side that a league title after promotion from the First Division and also claimed two unexpected European Cups in 1979 and 1980 in a golden era for the club.
The similarities are clearly evident to the 64-year-old.
“It kind of reminds me in some aspect of Nottingham Forest in 1977 and 1978 where we came up and swept all before us and it was great to be part of that.
“So I know exactly how the Leicester players are feeling, if I can think back that far and I certainly know how the manager is feeling.
“It is an extraordinary story, the story of the century.
“It’s incredible in this day and age that they can pip the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, it’s incredible.”
The former Celtic boss was giving little away when asked whether he would be keen on a return to club management when his current deal with Ireland runs out after the European Championships in France.
