2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Joseph Chapman)
Leicester City will bid farewell to club legend Jamie Vardy at the end of this season, after the club announced that the striker will be departing at the end of his contract. It brings to an end a 13-year stay at the King Power Stadium for Vardy, who has racked up 496 appearances and 198 goals during his illustrious spell. The forward joined from Fleetwood Town for £1m in 2012 and he proceeded to help the club seal promotion to the Premier League within two years.
In his first year in the top flight, Vardy aided City's remarkable survival push under Nigel Pearson and then fired them to the league title under Claudio Ranieri a year later. Under Brendan Rodgers, Vardy continued to excel, playing and scoring in Europe and helping the Foxes to the FA Cup and the Community Shield. He won the Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Player of the Season in 2016 and clinched the Golden Boot in 2020.
More recently, Vardy performed under Enzo Maresca as Leicester won the Championship title for the second time during his decorated stay and, despite the general disappointment of relegation this term, Vardy - now 38 - still managed to make 10 goal contributions. He will pass 500 appearances for the club by the end of the campaign. Supporters have paid emotional tributes to the contribution and loyalty of Vardy, who also earned 26 England caps during his time in the East Midlands, and there are suggestions on social media amongst the fanbase that a statue outside of the ground would be a fitting recognition of Vardy's efforts and achievements.
.. Mark Goodacre: For me, Vardy is the greatest ever player to play for #lcfc.
He epitomises everything "Leicester", a bit rough & ready, wind up merchant, underdog, but can stick it to them. I feel privileged to have watched him & to witness him from 2012 & turn into an elite forward. Sad day Nigel Ritchie: Thanks for all you have done for #LCFC & you will always be a legend & one of our greatest ever players.
Good luck to you & your family with wherever your career takes you from here & beyond. Jake Broadwell: 13 Incredible years..
I feel bad for the way this season has ended for him.. Tears now man! Thanks for everything JV9 Gavin Hugill: Had a feeling this time would come at the end of the season.
The greatest ever player I’ve had the privilege of watching at Leicester City. Thank you RyanLCFC: Our greatest ever player Jamie Vardy to leave at end of season. Thank you @vardy7 for unbelievable memories you've given me and everyone.
Always will be a legend. We'll never have a lethal striker as loyal as you have been. You'll always be in my heart!! Tom : A magical 13 season spell at Leicester City comes to an end for Jamie Vardy.
A man who lived and breathed the football club and our greatest ever player. Thank you for everything @vardy7. You’ve given us Leicester fans memories of a lifetime Harry Ellard: Without doubt the greatest Leicester City player to wear the shirt.
A true icon of Leicester and the man which every young fan looked up to. Jamie Vardy. Leicester’s Number 9 Matty Williamson: There will never be another like him.
No other club will ever, ever have a Jamie Vardy. Epitomises all of the great things about our club (not so much the last couple of seasons), graft, underdog, down-to-earth, fighting for the badge. BUILD.
THE. STATUE..
