Muzzy Izzet

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Lore & Background

Izzet joined Leicester City on loan in March 1996 before making his move permanent for £800,000 after helping the club win promotion via the play-offs. He formed a vital midfield partnership with Neil Lennon under manager Martin O'Neill. Despite interest from West Ham and Middlesbrough, he stayed through Leicester's relegation in 2004, where he assisted 14 of the club's 48 goals (29%). After leaving for Birmingham City on a free transfer in June 2004, knee injuries limited his appearances until his retirement in June 2006.

In Their Own Story

In the 1996 play-off final against Crystal Palace, Izzet secured Leicester's promotion to the Premier League. He went on to win the League Cup twice with the club (1996–97 and 1999–2000). During the 2003–04 season, he was the standout player, creating nearly a third of his team's goals before Leicester were relegated and could no longer afford his £30,000 per week wages.

Reader's Guide

Muzzy Izzet signed for Leicester City in March 1996 on loan, making the move permanent later that year. He played as a midfielder, forming a key partnership with Neil Lennon. His time at the club included two League Cup victories and a Premier League Player of the Month award in September 1999. In January 2004, Leicester rejected bids from Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers for him before he left for Birmingham City on a free transfer in June 2004.

Did You Know?

• Izzet assisted 29% of Leicester City's goals during the 2003–04 season.
• He made his sole appearance for Turkey at UEFA Euro 2000 in a 0–0 draw with Sweden.
• His father, a Turkish Cypriot who came to England as a small boy, pushed both him and his brother Kemal into football.
• Izzet briefly returned to non-league football with Thurmaston Town on 28 November 2009 but never played for them again due to knee soreness.