Yohan Benalouane: "I didn't want to leave Atalanta BC"

Yohan Benalouane, who is close to joining Leicester City, has revealed that he didn't want to leave Atalanta BC.

The Tunisian defender bid farewell to his colleagues in Bergamo on Friday, ahead a proposed €8m (£5.6m) switch to the Foxes, but the ex-Parma player has stated that he would've rather remained at the Serie A club.

He told the Bergamo Post: "I couldn't say anything before the deal had been concluded, but I so wanted to. I will come back to see you often, as I love this city so much and really am leaving my heart here.

"I left the training camp in tears on Friday, because I really care for everyone. I send a huge embrace to all my teammates and fans. I didn't want to leave Atalanta and would gladly have stayed, but an offer of €8m is a lot for a club like Atalanta.

"I love this side so much that I accepted and hope with all my heart that my departure will help the directors make my beloved Atalanta even stronger. I made this decision by thinking of what was best for Atalanta. One day I will return to Bergamo, be certain of it."

Atalanta finished three points above the Serie A relegation zone last season.