- Jamie Vardy was the hero of Leicester’s 2015-16 fairy tale Premier League win
- He was the Premier League’s player of the season in 2015-16 for his exploits
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ian Ladyman reveals who is to blame for Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League
Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester at the end of the season to bring an end to one of the most remarkable stories in English football history.
The 38-year-old joined the Foxes from non-league Fleetwood for £1million in 2012 and went on to become arguably the greatest player in the history of the club.
During his time at King Power Stadium, Vardy helped Leicester win the Premier League and the FA Cup for the first time in their history and also won the Golden Boot in 2020.
Although he turns 39 in January, Mail Sport understands Vardy does not plan to call it a day and has expressed confidence in the past that he can continue playing beyond his 40th birthday.
Confirming the news, Vardy – who also won 26 caps for England – said: ‘To the fans of Leicester: gutted this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually.
‘It has been 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about but I think the timing is right.
Hero of Leicester’s 2015-16 fairy tale Jamie Vardy will leave the club at the end of the season
He also helped steer the Foxes to their first ever FA Cup win after beating Chelsea in the final
Vardy – pictured with wife Rebekah (centre right) – does not plan to retire from football and may look beyond English shores for his next club
‘I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking you in as one of your own. Leicester will always have a massive place in my heart and I’ll make sure I’ll be following in the years to come in what I hope will be even more success for the club.
‘As for now, this is my goodbye, but you will see me again soon I promise. Thank you.’
Whether his future lies in English football is another matter. There is thought to be interest from clubs in Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia, though Vardy believes he can still score at the highest level.
If a Premier League side offered him a deal, it would likely be a heavily performance-based one.
Even during a dire season for Leicester, which will end in an immediate return to the Championship, he still led the attack for much of the campaign, scoring eight goals in 32 appearances.
He was trusted by both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy and is one of the few players to emerge with some credit this term.
Vardy’s contract expires this summer and he has clocked up 496 appearances for Leicester. If he appears in their final four games of the season, he would reach 500. He stands on 198 goals, which leaves another target within reach.
One of English football’s most colourful characters, Vardy was released by Sheffield Wednesday aged 16 and built his career in English’s football’s midnight zone, first with Stocksbridge Park Steels and then Halifax Town.
Vardy also won 26 caps for his country, netting a total of seven goals for England in that time
Despite his age the 38-year-old retained the support of both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy (pictured)
Vardy has had to handle taunts from rival fans about Rebekah’s ‘Wagatha Christie’ case with Wayne Rooney’s wife
Vardy suffered relegation this season and previously described the campaign as a ‘s***show’
Even when he rose to the top of the game, Vardy has never lost that raw edge to his game.
He still loves winding up opposition supporters and has to handle taunts towards aimed at him and his family – often relating to the infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ saga – wherever he goes.
It feels unlikely that Vardy would wish to bow out completely on such a disappointing note.
After Leicester’s relegation was confirmed by a 1-0 home defeat against Liverpool on April 20, he posted an emotional message on his social media channels taking responsibility.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: ‘Jamie is unique. He is a special player and an even more special person.
‘He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection. I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this club.’
