Leicester City fans will like how Shinji Okazaki reacted to the club's relegation | OneFootball

Shinji Okazaki has written a message following Leicester City's relegation from the Championship to League One

Leicester City were relegated to League One on Tuesday, courtesy of a 2-2 draw with Hull City, but Shinji Okazaki's message to supporters may have somewhat softened the blow.

Okazaki was a key member of the Foxes squad that defied the odds by winning the Premier League title in 2016, and remained at the King Power Stadium until joining Spanish outfit Huesca in 2019.

A cult hero throughout his time with the Foxes, the former striker spent the last two seasons of his career with Belgian club St Truiden before retiring.

He contributed to Leicester's 2015/16 Premier League title triumph by scoring five goals in 36 top-flight appearances, and will always be remembered for helping to get the best out of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, making some memorable contributions as an impact substitute.

Shinji Okazaki shares emotional message as Leicester City suffer relegation to League One

The Foxes needed to beat Hull on Tuesday to remain in the fight to avoid relegation to League One with just two games remaining, but instead drew 2-2.

Sergej Jakirovic's men took the lead through Liam Millar's first-half goal, but Leicester claimed a 2-1 advantage courtesy of Jordan James' penalty and Luke Thomas' effort.

However, former Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie scored Hull's equaliser, which ensured that the Foxes have suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One.

Earning just one point, rather than all three, didn't favour Jakirovic's side, though, as Wrexham have leapfrogged them into the play-off spots, thanks to their 1-0 win at Oxford United and their superior goal difference.

Meanwhile, once their relegation from the Championship was confirmed, Leicester's official account posted on Instagram: "Following confirmation of Leicester City’s relegation to League One, Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has issued the following statement:

"To our fans, relegation to League One is now confirmed. As Chairman, that responsibility sits with me. There are no excuses. We have experienced the highest highs and now the lowest lows, and the pain is shared by all of us.

"I am truly sorry for the disappointment we have caused. I understand the strength of feeling among our supporters, and we do not take your support for granted, especially at moments like this.

"Our focus now is on what comes next. We will take the necessary decisions to move the club forward, working together to rebuild, improve, and restore the standards expected of Leicester City.

"Our objective is clear – to respond strongly and compete to move this club forward again. We will face this head-on. We will keep going. Together. Top."

Leicester City set for huge summer rebuild

Leicester's six-point deduction, imposed after they broke financial regulations, is a contributing factor in their relegation to League One with two games remaining.

However, even without that penalty, the Foxes would reside in the Championship relegation zone, which is indicative of the woeful campaign they have endured.

The King Power Stadium outfit began the season with aspirations of sealing an immediate Premier League return, but they have instead been relegated to League One 10 years on from their top-flight title triumph, and five years since claiming FA Cup glory.

On paper, Leicester boast one of the most talented squads in the Championship, but they have fallen far below the standards expected of them this term, under both former boss Marti Cifuentes and current manager Gary Rowett.

As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs via X, Rowett is set to leave the King Power Stadium when his short-term deal expires at the end of the season.

However, the Foxes' rebuild is not set to end with the appointment of a new manager, as they must make wholesale changes to a squad that has lacked quality, confidence, and even desire.