Leicester City’s legendary striker Jamie Vardy has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season after 13 years of service.
Gatekeepers News reports that the 38-year-old, who is regarded as the club’s greatest player, has been central to many of Leicester’s successes, including winning the Premier League in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021.
Vardy signed a one-year extension last summer after promotion from the Championship, but the current season has been a struggle, culminating in relegation being confirmed with five games to play. Despite this, Vardy has expressed gratitude for his time at Leicester, citing memories that will “last a lifetime”.
“Leicester City has been my second home, my extended family, my life for 13 years,” Vardy said in a farewell message on social media. “The club, the city, the people, means so much to me and my family.”
Vardy has insisted that he is not retiring and is thought to have interest from Major League Soccer in the US. “I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy doing most, scoring goals,” he said. “Hopefully, there is one or two more for Leicester between now and the end of the season, and many more in the future.”
Leicester’s chair, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, praised Vardy, saying: “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.”
