Jamie Vardy. (Offside via Getty Images)
Leicester captain and long-time talisman Jamie Vardy has today announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
Vardy leaves as the club’s all-time goal scorer and most influential player to ever wear the shirt, leading the Foxes to a remarkable Premier League title in 2016.
A post on both Vardy’s and Leicester’s official Instagram account shows the striker speaking candidly to the fans, with a caption that says Goodbye to the GOAT.
“I’ve been here so long that I truly never thought it would end, so this has not only been really difficult for me to write but also a really difficult decision to make,” Vardy said.
“Leicester City has been my second home and my extended family and my life for 13 years. The club, the city, the people mean so much to me and my family. It’s a place that has shaped the lives of our kids who have been so lucky to call Leicester home for so long. But for me the time has come to say goodbye.”
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Now 38, Vardy joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012, and would go on to lead the line for 13 years. Nearly 500 appearances (495) and 198 goals later, Vardy has etched himself into Leicester folklore forever.
He has etched himself into Premier League folklore, too, spearheading Leicester’s improbable 2016 title clinch, as well as an FA Cup and Community Shield. He boasts two Championship titles as well to round off his impressive trophy cabinet, one which has earned him the title of the club’s “greatest-ever player” in a club statement.
He is currently 15th in the all-time Premier League goal scorer list, despite only playing his first Premier League game aged 27. With 143 goals to his name, he has outscored quite a few league legends including his manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy as well as Luis Suarez, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres to name a few.
Vardy has also earned himself a place near the top of in the unofficial wind-up merchant list, with the England star known to gesture at opposing fans and obliterate corner flags in celebration.
More in the tank?
Vardy confirmed his intention to continue his playing career. In what has been a frustrating season for the already relegated Foxes, Vardy has scored just seven goals this season. Despite this, he appears to be in great shape and says he has the desire to carry on.
“My only regret, and I’m devastated about this, is that I’m not saying farewell to you on the back of a much better season,” Vardy added. “This isn’t the way I wanted my career here to finish.
“This isn’t retirement. I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy most: Scoring goals. Hopefully there are a few more for Leicester between now and the end of the season and many more in the future. I might be 38 but I still have the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.”
His age may prevent him from a blockbuster move, but he may yet have a few options for his future.
Should Vardy decide to give the Premier League one final salvo, newly promoted sides Leeds and Burnley may be on the lookout for some experienced reinforcements – even if that means the player would have to settle for a place on the bench.
Perhaps his most realistic options are America or Saudi Arabia, where it is likely he would see plenty of action. The MLS continues to prise big names in the latter stages of their career, as does the Saudi league who’s financial resources have proven attractive to many.
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