Jamie Vardy Bids Farewell to Leicester City After 13 Glorious Years
Leicester City announced on Thursday that Jamie Vardy will part ways with the club at the conclusion of the season, as the respected Premier League side faces relegation. At 38, Vardy’s legacy at Leicester has become legendary during his 13-year tenure, netting 198 goals in 495 matches, and was integral to their miraculous Premier League title win in 2016. The esteemed England striker also boasts an FA Cup, a Community Shield, and two Championship titles to his name with the Foxes. In a heartfelt club statement, he has been heralded as “Leicester’s greatest-ever player.”
“Having been here for so long, I never thought this day would come. It’s been incredibly challenging to write this and an even tougher decision to make,” Vardy expressed in a video shared across his social media platforms. “Leicester City has been my second home, my extended family, and my life for 13 meaningful years. The city and its people hold a special place for me and my family. It’s become home for my kids, somewhere we’ve been fortunate to call home for so long. But it is now time for me to say goodbye.”
This final chapter of Vardy’s time with Leicester hasn’t been his most remarkable, with the club’s drop from the Premier League already assured. Currently, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men find themselves in the 19th position with just 18 points. Vardy will play his last game for Leicester on May 18 against Ipswich Town. “I’m heartbroken that I’m not saying goodbye on a high note, following a more successful season,” Vardy lamented. “This isn’t how I envisioned concluding my time here. I’m not retiring; I still desire to play and do what I love most: scoring goals. I hope to add a few more for Leicester before the season ends and continue in the future. Although I’m 38, my hunger and ambition for more achievements remain strong.”
This season, Vardy has managed to find the back of the net seven times, with his most outstanding performance occurring during the 2015-16 campaign alongside Riyad Mahrez, as Leicester surprisingly claimed the league title, defying 5000-1 odds. “Jamie is one-of-a-kind,” remarked Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. “He is not only a remarkable player but also an extraordinary person. He holds a special place in the hearts of those tied to Leicester City, and he certainly has my utmost respect and affection. On behalf of everyone at Leicester, we extend our deepest wishes to Jamie and his family for a bright future, and we know our fans will join us in giving him the send-off he rightfully deserves at the season’s end.”