Arjen Robben has congratulated Leicester City on their Premier League title success, but has warned that elite European clubs will now be "hunting" for their best players.
The Foxes sealed the unlikeliest of league victories on Monday, as second-placed Tottenham failed to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The likes of Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante, who have all played pivotal roles in the club’s success, have subsequently been linked with big-money moves away and Bayern Munich star Robben claims the club could end up being victims of their own success if their marquee players are lured away.
When asked about PFA Player of the Year Mahrez, Robben told Match of the Day magazine: “From what I’ve seen, and even more what I’ve heard, he looks very good – a very talented player. That’s maybe the only negative thing about it.
“Because they’re doing so well, other clubs will probably be hunting. He looks very good. But more as a team – the way they play as a team is impressive.”
Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben met with Claudio Ranieri prior to signing for the Blues in a £12 million deal from PSV Eindhoven in 2004, and has expressed his goodwill towards the Italian.
Robben, whose time with Ranieri was cut short when Jose Mourinho joined the Blues, added: “Yes, it’s true that he signed me. I had only one or two meetings with him, but it was good and I was looking forward to working with him - I think he’s a great guy.
“In the end it all changed and I had three great years with another great manager in Jose Mourinho. I’m very happy for him.”
He added: “I think it’s (Leicester's success) surprised everybody. Not any more, because now you know how they play.
“I’ve seen them once or twice and they are a very strong team. Of course if you speak before the season no one would have mentioned Leicester as a title favourite, but I’m very happy, especially for the manager.”
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