Leicester City Football Club confirmed on Thursday that Jamie Vardy will depart the club at the end of the current campaign, bringing to an end a remarkable 13-year spell with the Foxes. Vardy, 38, leaves behind a legacy that has etched his name into the history books of English football, scoring 198 goals in 495 appearances.
The announcement comes amid a difficult season for Leicester, who have already been relegated from the Premier League. Despite the disappointing finish, Jamie Vardy’s contributions over the years — including the unforgettable 2015-16 title-winning campaign — have cemented his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. “Jamie is unique,” said Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. “He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City.”
From Non-League to Premier League Glory
Jamie Vardy’s footballing journey is one of the most inspiring stories in the modern game. Rejected by professional academies in his youth, he worked his way up from non-league football with Fleetwood Town before joining Leicester in 2012. His relentless determination and eye for goal quickly won over fans and coaches alike.
The 2015-16 season marked a turning point not just for Vardy, but for the club and football itself. Leicester defied 5000-1 odds to win the Premier League, with Vardy scoring 24 goals and forming a lethal partnership with Riyad Mahrez. He also broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record by scoring in 11 consecutive league games. That season transformed Vardy from an underdog into a national hero.
An Emotional Goodbye to the Foxes
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Jamie Vardy described Leicester as his “second home” and thanked the club and fans for their unwavering support. “I’ve been here so long that I truly never thought it would end,” he said. “The club, the city, the people mean so much to me and my family.”
Jamie Vardy expressed sadness that his farewell coincides with a disappointing campaign, with Leicester languishing in 19th place. “My only regret, and I’m devastated about this, is that I’m not saying farewell to you [the fans] on the back of a much better season,” he said. Despite the somber backdrop, Vardy will have one last chance to say goodbye in front of the fans during the club’s final match of the season against Ipswich Town on May 18.
More Goals to Come: Jamie Vardy Not Ready to Retire
While his time at Leicester may be drawing to a close, Vardy was quick to clarify that this does not mark the end of his playing career. “This isn’t retirement,” he insisted. “I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy most: scoring goals. I might be 38 but I still have the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.”
Though he has only managed seven goals this season, Vardy’s hunger and sharpness remain evident. Clubs across the Championship and even abroad are likely to show interest in the veteran striker, whose leadership, experience, and predatory instinct could still prove invaluable.
Tributes Pour In for a Leicester Icon
Leicester’s official statement hailed Vardy as the “greatest-ever player” in the club’s history, and tributes have been pouring in from fans, pundits, and former teammates. “He’s not just a player, he’s a symbol of what Leicester City represents — grit, heart, and fairy tale endings,” said former teammate Wes Morgan.
Chairman Srivaddhanaprabha added, “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.” As Vardy prepares to leave, the King Power Stadium prepares for an emotional farewell to a player whose story has become the stuff of legends.
