Jamie Vardy Announces Leicester City Departure After 13 Years

Striker Jamie Vardy has confirmed his departure from Leicester City at the conclusion of the current season, announcing the news in a poignant video.

The announcement follows the Foxes` recent relegation from the Premier League after their weekend loss to Liverpool.

Regarded by the club as “our greatest-ever player,” the veteran forward became visibly emotional while revealing that the current season would be his final one at the King Power Stadium.

“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 played a key role in their survival against expectations.

He was subsequently a central figure in the club`s stunning Premier League title win during the 2015/16 campaign. Under manager Claudio Ranieri, Vardy scored an impressive 24 goals in that historic season.

The Leicester captain also contributed significantly to their FA Cup victory in 2021, defeating Chelsea at Wembley.

These remarkable achievements seemed improbable when he joined Leicester in 2012 for just £1 million from non-league side Fleetwood Town.

The veteran striker has amassed 198 goals in 496 appearances for the club, holding the record for their highest Premier League goalscorer and ranking third overall in the club`s history.

Despite relegation in 2023, he remained with the Foxes and helped them secure promotion back to the top flight the following season.

However, Vardy was unable to prevent the club`s relegation back to the Championship this season.

Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt `Top` Srivaddhanaprabha commented on Vardy`s departure:

“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.”

His potential final appearance for the club could be the season finale against Bournemouth the following week.

Vardy expressed disappointment with the circumstances of his departure, reportedly describing this relegation season as a “s**t show”.

He ranks 15th on the list of all-time Premier League goalscorers with 143 goals, a remarkable feat considering he didn`t make his debut in the division until age 27.

This tally places him ahead of notable Premier League strikers such as Robbie Keane, Nicolas Anelka, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, and midfield great Steven Gerrard.

Speculation suggests Vardy may continue his playing career, with interest reported from clubs in America.