Leicester City fans are carrying on their celebrations into a second day after what has been described as the most unlikely triumph in team sport.
The Foxes secured the Premier League title with two games left in the season after Tottenham could only draw their must-win game against Chelsea on Monday night, with fans celebrating the title win well into the small hours.
Today the Leicester squad and management took a bus through the city to an Italian restaurant to continue the celebrations.
On their way to the restaurant the bus was mobbed by fans who sang and chanted at their heroes.
Manager Claudio Ranieri mustered an “I feel good” when quizzed by reporters at the side’s training ground on Tuesday morning, with fans across the city also revelling in the astonishing title win.
Outside the King Power Stadium, cars were driving past beeping their horns with others blaring Queen’s We Are The Champions while jubilant fans sang “Championes!” and, ironically, “We are staying up!”
Fans watching the match on Monday evening at the Local Hero pub in Aylestone Road were looking glum as Spurs raced to a 2-0 lead at half time, but dared to dream during the last 10 minutes knowing a draw would be enough to see the Foxes claim the title.
The party started shortly after Eden Hazard grabbed an 83rd minute equaliser for Chelsea.
The celebrations then poured out from the bars and pubs in the city and on to the streets, with thousands congregating in the city centre and outside the King Power Stadium.
Flares were lit, chants of “Leicester till I die” rang out, and men selling Champions flags were doing a swift trade.
Among those in the crowd was Stuart Hamilton, 68, who stayed out until 2am.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, he said: “I just didn’t want the party to stop. I can’t put into words how it felt when that final whistle went.
“I’ve been following this club through thick and thin – and it’s been more thin – but just to say the words ’Leicester City are champions’ is phenomenal.
“You’ve got to credit the manager and the whole team for this and the fans too. The city as a whole can be so proud of what the club has done.”
The league win, which was a 5000/1 shot at the start of the season, is expected to be worth around £22 million to the city’s economy next season, the East Midlands Chamber said.
But fans have said the feeling at watching their side pick up the Premier League trophy at their next home game against Everton on Saturday will be priceless.
Harry Phillips, a 21-year-old student, said: “I woke up this morning and had to check my phone because I thought I was dreaming.
“I saw dozens of photos from last night with thousands of people celebrating and realised it wasn’t and it was like I felt that feeling of us being champions again.
“Saturday is just going to be a party. No other word for it. The whole city will be rocking.”
