Jamie Vardy is set to say goodbye to Leicester City this summer, marking the end of a remarkable 13-year tenure at the club.
Despite Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, the 38-year-old striker has made it clear that he does not intend to retire from football.
Vardy is widely considered the greatest player in the club’s history, having played a crucial role in Leicester’s extraordinary 2015/16 Premier League title win under Claudio Ranieri, where he scored 24 goals that season. He also added an FA Cup winner’s medal to his accolades in 2021 under Brendan Rodgers.
In an emotional message to supporters, Vardy expressed his sadness about leaving the club that he helped transform into a Premier League powerhouse.
“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success—some downs, but mostly highs. It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about, but I think the timing is right,” Vardy stated.
His departure comes shortly after he publicly apologized for what he described as a “total embarrassment” of a season resulting in Leicester’s relegation to the Championship.
Since joining from non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy has made 496 appearances and played an instrumental role in what is arguably the most successful era in the club’s history. He helped Leicester secure promotion to the Premier League in 2014 and was central to numerous unforgettable moments.
Although he scored 18 goals last season to help Leicester win the Championship title, Vardy struggled to maintain that form in the Premier League this year, finishing with just seven goals.
“I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own. Leicester will always hold a massive place in my heart, and I will be following the team in the years to come, hoping for even more success for the club. For now, this is my goodbye, but you will see me again soon, I promise. Thank you,” he added.
Leicester’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday confirmed their immediate return to the second tier, marking the club’s second relegation in three seasons. While the team looks to rebuild, Vardy’s legacy—defined by silverware, passion, and an inspiring underdog story—will remain etched in Leicester’s history.
