Jamie Vardy has announced his departure from Leicester City at the conclusion of the current season, sharing the news in an emotional video statement.
The Foxes` relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following their recent defeat to Liverpool.
The club legend, whom Leicester described as `our greatest-ever player`, expressed his emotions upon revealing that this season would be his final one at the King Power Stadium.
Vardy, aged 38, stated: "It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time. I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end."
"It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go. If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy. Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be."
"I`ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs. It`s finally time to call it a day, which I`m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right."
Vardy was instrumental in Leicester`s promotion to the Premier League in 2014 and their subsequent successful battle against relegation.
The striker played a pivotal role in the club`s extraordinary Premier League title win during the 2015/16 season.
Vardy scored an impressive 24 goals during that memorable campaign under Claudio Ranieri.
The team captain also played a crucial part in the club`s 2021 FA Cup victory over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
These achievements seemed improbable when he arrived at Leicester in 2012 for just £1 million from non-league side Fleetwood Town.
The veteran forward has scored 198 goals in 496 appearances for the club, making him their record Premier League goalscorer and third highest of all-time.
He remained with the Foxes after their relegation from the Premier League in 2023 and helped them secure promotion back to the top flight the following season.
However, Vardy was unable to prevent the club from being relegated again this campaign, as they head back down to the Championship.
Leicester City Statement on Vardy`s Departure
Leicester City released a statement following Jamie Vardy`s announcement:
"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 statement highlighted his trophy-laden 13 years, noting he is closing in on 500 appearances since joining in 2012.
Joining for £1M from Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy became a Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield, and double Championship winner during a golden era for the Club.
"There is no other player more synonymous with the incredible successes achieved in that time and, with nearly 500 appearances and almost 200 goals to his name, Vardy’s achievements on Filbert Way are unrivalled throughout our 141-year history."
Jamie`s final home game at King Power Stadium will be on Sunday 18 May against Ipswich Town, where he will say goodbye to the supporters who witnessed his rise from a non-league hopeful to one of the Premier League`s best goal scorers.
Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt `Top` Srivaddhanaprabha commented: "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."
Vardy`s last game at the King Power Stadium is scheduled for May 18 against Ipswich Town. His potential final appearance for the club could be the following week in the season`s concluding match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Vardy had hoped for a better conclusion to his time, describing the recent relegation season as a "s**t show".
He currently ranks 15th on the list of all-time Premier League scorers with 143 goals, a remarkable feat considering he made his debut in the division at the age of 27.
ALL-TIME PREMIER LEAGUE TOP SCORERS (Top 15)
- Alan Shearer (260 goals)
- Harry Kane (213 goals)
- Wayne Rooney (208 goals)
- Andy Cole (187 goals)
- Sergio Aguero (184 goals)
- Mo Salah (184 goals)
- Frank Lampard (177 goals)
- Thierry Henry (175 goals)
- Robbie Fowler (163 goals)
- Jermain Defoe (162 goals)
- Michael Owen (150 goals)
- Les Ferdinand (149 goals)
- Teddy Sheringham (146 goals)
- Robin van Persie (144 goals)
- JAMIE VARDY (143 goals)
His goal tally surpasses notable players such as Robbie Keane, Nicolas Anelka, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, and Steven Gerrard in the top flight.
There is speculation that he will continue his playing career, with clubs in America reportedly showing interest.
