Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy is set to leave the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a legendary spell that spanned over a decade.
Vardy, who spearheaded Leicester’s 2015/16 Premier League title triumph, has been hailed by the club as “our greatest-ever player.”
Signed from non-league Fleetwood Town for just £1 million in 2012, Vardy defied the odds to become a Premier League icon.
He netted 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances, including a club-record 143 Premier League goals. His 24-goal haul during the unforgettable 2015/16 season was instrumental in Leicester’s stunning title run.
The 38-year-old also played a key role in Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, further cementing his legendary status.
“We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player,” the club announced in a statement.
“Jamie is unique,” said Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
“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.”
In an emotional farewell message, Vardy admitted the time was right to move on.
“To the fans of Leicester, I’m gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually,” he said in a video posted on social media.
“I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”
Vardy’s final appearance at the King Power Stadium is scheduled for May 18 against Ipswich Town.
