Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jamie Vardy, Leicester City, Premier League
Josh Lawless
Jamie Vardy is officially leaving Leicester City at the end of the season, the club have confirmed.
Vardy, a £1 million signing from Non-League Fleetwood Town in 2012, has gone on to become one of the club's greatest ever players and played a key role in their Premier League and FA Cup successes.
The 38-year-old has scored 198 goals in 495 appearances over 13 seasons at the King Power Stadium but on Wednesday, the club confirmed he will be leaving on a free when his deal expires in the coming weeks.
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In a statement on the club's official website, chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha paid tribute to Vardy and praised his accomplishments with Leicester.
He said: "Jamie is unique. 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.
“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. On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I wish Jamie and his family the very best for the future and I know our supporters will join us in giving him the send-off he deserves at the end of this season.”
Having posted an X-rated reaction to their relegation being confirmed, Vardy himself gave a special message to the club's supporters, with Leicester posting the clip on their social media channels and hailing him as their 'GOAT'.
Vardy is not expected to retire from football and is believed to have lucrative offers on the table from the MLS, according to The Sun.
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Manchester United legend Gary Neville, whose brother Phil is coaching Portland Timbers in America, has encouraged Vardy to make the move and experience a different life across the pond.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville said: “He’s obviously lost a yard of pace, but I think there are opportunities now that exist in America or in other parts of the world where you can go and play, you can enjoy yourself."
The 2019/20 Premier League Golden Boot winner has also been heavily linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia, where his former teammate Riyad Mahrez is currently playing.
According to Fichajes, the former England international already has one foot in Saudi Arabia and that it has emerged as the "most viable destination" for the final chapter of his career.