Jamie Vardy will depart Leicester City at the end of the season, leaving behind memories that he says will “last a lifetime” after 13 remarkable years with the club.
However, the 38-year-old has made it clear that he is not retiring. Widely regarded as the greatest player in the club’s history, Vardy played a pivotal role in Leicester’s stunning Premier League title win in 2016 and their FA Cup triumph in 2021.
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Following the club’s promotion as Championship winners, Vardy signed a one-year contract extension last summer. But this season has proven difficult, culminating in relegation with five games remaining. Vardy issued an apology to fans and described his own performances as a “total embarrassment.”
Vardy’s rise from non-league football to Premier League stardom is one of the most inspiring stories in modern football. He joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town for £1 million in 2012 and went on to become an England international and one of the league’s top strikers, scoring 198 goals in 435 appearances for the club.
In the 2019–20 season, at the age of 33, Vardy made history as the oldest player to win the Premier League Golden Boot. He netted 18 league goals during Leicester’s promotion-winning campaign last season and has added seven more this term.
In a farewell message shared on social media, Vardy reflected on his time at the club, saying Leicester had “done the impossible” by winning the Premier League. He said he’ll carry memories to last a lifetime, highlighting not only the major trophies but also the club’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals and a dramatic escape from relegation.
He said;
I have been here so long that I truly thought it would never end.
This has not only been really difficult for me to write, but also a really difficult decision to make. Leicester City has been my second home, my extended family, my life for 13 years. The club, the city, and the people mean so much to me and my family.
NO PLANS TO RETIRE
Vardy confirmed he has no plans to retire and is reportedly attracting interest from Major League Soccer clubs in the United States.
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I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy doing most, scoring goals. Hopefully, there are one or two more for Leicester between now and the end of the season, and many more in the future. I might be 38, but I’ve still got the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.
Vardy paid tribute to the “band of brothers” from Leicester’s title-winning squad and credited his first manager, Nigel Pearson, for allowing him to turn professional. He also acknowledged his strong personality, saying, “Thanks also to all the other managers, coaches, and staff who have supported me—and, in some cases, put up with me.”
Leicester, currently sitting 19th in the Premier League, face Wolves on Saturday. The club has collected just 18 points from 33 games and has suffered 16 defeats in their last 18 matches under Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is not expected to remain in charge next season.
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 football club.
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