After 13 years, Jamie Vardy is leaving his beloved club Leicester City – and he didn’t just give us another goosebump moment as he said goodbye.
Even before kick-off, it was clear that this would be Jamie Vardy’s last game for Leicester City. Although there is still an away game at AFC Bournemouth next week, the striker had announced that the home game against fellow relegated side Ipswich Town would be his last for the Foxes.
Leicester not only won the game 2-0, but it was Vardy who put the Foxes ahead in the 28th minute, completing two milestones in one game: it was his 200th goal for the club and his 500th appearance.
Vardy celebrated the goal by pointing his index finger at the opposing fans – typical Vardy, who has never shied away from a duel in his career. “Since I was being so badly abused by the away fans up there, there was only one place to celebrate,” he said afterwards.
One goose bump follows another
When the striker was substituted ten minutes before the end, football became secondary. His teammates formed a guard of honor for Vardy, who left the field moved and proud to the thunderous applause of the crowd in the stadium. These were emotional moments that will not only remain in Vardy’s memory.
Memories are what remain anyway – and they are mostly positive, as Vardy revealed. “It was incredible, a rollercoaster ride, really,” said the veteran: “The good thing is that there were many more highs than lows. I never thought we would be in the Champions League or win the league.”
Club legend steps down
With Vardy’s departure, Leicester is saying goodbye to a living club legend. The striker joined Leicester City, then in the second division, from fifth-division Fleetwood Town in 2012 – it was to be an unparalleled success story. The club itself describes the striker as “the greatest player in the history of our club, who has given more than a decade of unforgettable service.”
The clever striker contributed 24 goals to the sensational championship win and was also a key player in the 2021 FA Cup-winning team. He scored 18 goals in the last promotion season, but he no longer wants to spend another year in the Championship.
Vardy is not worried about his beloved club. “They’ll be fine,” he replied when asked how the Foxes would fare without him. “We have a good squad and young players coming through,” he said, admitting that he is also happy to be at the end of his career. “Football is a mental killer and, to be honest, I couldn’t do it all again. But I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on the club I love.”
