PFA calls for knighthood for Leicester stars

Gordon Taylor, CEO of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), said the players of the new Premier League champions deserve to be honored for their unprecedented achievements.

Taylor has been a member of the PFA for more than 50 years, both as a player and later as a leader of the players’ union. But he insists he has never seen a greater achievement in football than what Claudio Ranieri’s side have achieved this season.

“Call striker Jamie Vardy Sir,” Taylor said.

Taylor at the moment of presenting Jamie Vardy with an honorary award on the occasion of the Leicester striker setting a record of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League matches. Photo: Empics.

In the UK, only famous and meritorious people who have been awarded the title of Knight of the Empire by the Queen are called "Sir", such as Elton John, Alex Ferguson... Even David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Lampard have only just been proposed for consideration for this noble title.

That shows that Mr. Taylor highly appreciates the contributions of Leicester players to the development of English football.

Only English players can be officially knighted or awarded an OBE, if they meet the criteria. Current Leicester players who are being considered include Jamie Vardy, Danny Drinkwater, Marc Albrighton and Danny Simpson. However, overseas players can also be awarded honorary knighthoods.

“What they have done goes beyond football,” Taylor continued, reflecting on Leicester's impressive season.

PFA chief sees Leicester's title win as a special achievement for the progress of English football. Photo: Sky.

The 71-year-old added: “We have to wait and see if Leicester’s players are nominated by the Government for honours, but I personally hope so. Leicester’s title win is one of the best football achievements I have witnessed in my lifetime.”

“Special success stories come from many different walks of life. Leicester show something special in football. Their success has given hope to any team that thought they could never reach the top,” Taylor stressed.

He also specifically praised three prominent faces of Leicester: “Riyad Mahrez won the PFA Player of the Year award in 2016, despite being a little-known player in the French Second Division and playing unsuccessfully at St Mirren (Scotland). He has shown determination and belief to become the best player in the Premier League.

With Vardy, he went from being an unknown striker playing for small teams in the lower leagues to suddenly becoming the top scorer in the Premier League.

Foreign players who have made great contributions like Kasper Schmeichel also deserve to be knighted, according to Gordon Taylor. Photo: Empics.

As for goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, he has had to live and play in the shadow of his father Peter. It is never easy being the son of a world-famous football star. But he has overcome the pressure to shine for Leicester. There are many other inspiring stories from each member of the club. They all deserve recognition.”

According to VNE