Gelson Fernandes leaves Leicester City early

Gelson Fernandes

Fernandes made 18 appearances for the Foxes, scoring once

Leicester have confirmed that on-loan midfielder Gelson Fernandes has left the club to return to St Etienne.

Manager Nigel Pearson told BBC Radio Leicester in December that the 25-year-old was likely to leave once the transfer window opened.

Fernandes signed a season-long loan deal  for former Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, having previously played for him at Manchester City. 

But Eriksson left the club in October and was replaced by Pearson.

And last month Pearson said: "Gelson made it clear that when the window was open, if it was possible to move away he would like to.

"He's been very, very professional. I have no problem with that."

The 25-year-old had a season on loan at Serie A side Chievo earlier in his career and has been linked with a move to Udinese.

"It will only happen if certain criteria are met but there is truth in that speculation," added Pearson.