Leicester's Maresca hails 'fantastic moment' after return to Premier League

Leicester coach Enzo Maresca hailed a “fantastic moment” for the club on Saturday after sealing an immediate return to the Premier League, but also stressed his determination to win the league title.

The Foxes' promotion was assured after second-placed Leeds lost 4-0 at QPR on Friday.

Leicester lead the table on 94 points with two games remaining, while Leeds remain second on 90 points with just one game remaining.

Third-placed Ipswich can push Leeds into the second automatic promotion spot – and still win the title. Ipswich have 89 points with three games remaining.

Teams that finish third to sixth in the second division go into the play-offs to determine the third promotion spot.

“I am so proud that the hard work of everyone associated with Leicester City throughout the season is being rewarded with our promotion to the Premier League,” said Maresca, who was appointed last June.

“This success is something we can all share and I know it means a lot to the owners, the players and our fans.”

“What we achieved was not easy. There are many good teams in a very competitive league, but the work we have done together with our players to turn our game idea into reality has helped us overcome all of these challenges.”

The Italian said his team wasn't finished yet.

“This is a fantastic moment for the football club and one we should celebrate, but we still have a lot of work to do. We are determined to finish this season in first place and lift this trophy in front of our fans at the King Power Stadium on the last day.”

City travel to Preston on Monday before hosting Blackburn next week.

Leicester were surprise Premier League champions in 2016 under former coach Claudio Ranieri, but were relegated along with Leeds and Southampton last season.

They were on course for promotion in February, but a series of stumbles cast doubt on their bid for promotion.

But a comfortable 5-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday put them on the brink of a return to the Premier League.

Joy at promotion will be tempered as they were charged by the Premier League in March over alleged breaches of profitability and sustainability rules relating to their last three years in the top flight.

If Leicester are found guilty, they could return to the top flight with a points deduction.

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