Jamie Vardy, the 38-year-old legendary striker for Leicester City, has announced his departure from the club at the end of the current season. He shared the news in an emotional video statement, bringing to a close a remarkable 13-year tenure at the King Power Stadium.
The announcement comes shortly after the Foxes` relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following their recent defeat to Liverpool.
Described by Leicester as `our greatest-ever player`, Vardy expressed deep emotion while revealing this season would be his last. He explained that the decision was something he had carefully considered and discussed with his family.
“It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time,” Vardy said. “I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.”
He added, “When you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be. I`ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs. It`s finally time to call it a day, which I`m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”
Vardy was instrumental in Leicester`s promotion to the Premier League in 2014 and their subsequent top-flight survival. He was a central figure in the club`s stunning Premier League title triumph in the 2015/16 season under Claudio Ranieri, scoring an impressive 24 goals during that historic campaign.
His success at the club, which he joined for just £1 million from non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, also includes lifting the FA Cup in 2021, the Community Shield, and two Championship titles.
Throughout his time at Leicester, Vardy has scored 198 goals in 496 appearances, making him the club`s record Premier League scorer and their third-highest scorer of all time. He demonstrated loyalty by staying with the team after their relegation in 2023, helping them secure promotion back to the top flight in the subsequent season. However, he acknowledged the current campaign has been challenging, reportedly describing the latest relegation season as a “s**t show”.
Club Chairman Aiyawatt `Top` Srivaddhanaprabha paid tribute to Vardy in a club statement, calling him “unique” and “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,” Srivaddhanaprabha said. “I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club. Although Jamie’s time with us as a player is ending, he and his family will always be welcomed back to King Power Stadium with open arms after all he has achieved.”
Vardy`s final appearance at the King Power Stadium is scheduled for May 18 against Ipswich Town, allowing him to bid farewell to the home supporters. His potential last game for the club could be the season finale away against Bournemouth.
Despite starting his Premier League career relatively late at age 27, Vardy ranks 15th on the all-time list of Premier League scorers with 143 goals, surpassing notable names like Robbie Keane, Nicolas Anelka, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, and Steven Gerrard.
There is speculation about Vardy`s future, with reports suggesting interest from clubs in America for his signature.
