Where should Jamie Vardy`s statue stand? That`s the only remaining matter for this living legend after concluding his remarkable 13-year spell with Leicester.
The 38-year-old fittingly ended his time spectacularly, netting his 200th goal for Leicester in his 500th match, precisely 13 years after his arrival from Fleetwood Town.
What a perfectly wrapped-up ending!
Vardy had already missed a couple of opportunities when James Justin penetrated the Ipswich defence and delivered a perfectly timed final pass.
Suddenly Vardy was clear, and everyone knew the outcome – give him a handful of chances, and one will inevitably find the net.
There was no chance the veteran `Fox` would fail on his significant day.
Predictably, he calmly slotted the ball past Alex Palmer, igniting pandemonium in the stands as the King Power Stadium celebrated his final goal.
Celebrations erupted again midway through the second half when Kasey McAteer extended the Foxes` lead.
Then, with ten minutes left, Ruud Van Nistelrooy made a double substitution, bringing Vardy off for Patson Daka.
As the crowd sang his name, Vardy walked slowly off, and every Leicester player formed a guard of honour at the halfway line.
The scoreboards displayed “Thank You Vards” as the veteran took his deserved place on the bench.
Mission accomplished… as was his custom.
From his arrival to the significant moment he waved farewell and disappeared down the tunnel as a Fox for the very last time, the spotlight was firmly on Jamie Vardy.
Nearly every fan`s shirt bore “Vardy 9” or “Legend 9” on the back.
Dozens of flag-bearers waved banners featuring Vardy`s name and image to welcome him as he led Leicester onto the pitch.
The scoreboard lit up with “Goodbye GOAT”. Additionally, every home supporter received a banner displaying the message: “Thank You Vards”.
However, Kieran McKenna`s Ipswich side apparently didn`t get the memo and were clearly determined to spoil the farewell festivities.
Unfortunately for them, they simply lack a finisher of Vardy`s calibre.
They dominated the initial 20 minutes, and the veteran striker had to wait patiently for his first touch.
Julio Enciso released Leif Davis on the left, and although the full-back`s initial shot was blocked by Coady, his follow-up attempt was significantly better.
His fiercely struck shot beat Jakub Stolarczyk but ricocheted off the inside of the post to safety.
Sam Morsy shot over and Enciso sent another effort wide before the stadium erupted after 20 minutes when Vardy finally had the opportunity to sprint.
Jordan Ayew sent the veteran sprinting through on goal, and suddenly every person in the King Power Stadium was on their feet urging him on.
However, this time Davis matched Vardy`s speed, tracking back to force him wide, and the striker`s shot went off target.
The legendary striker followed that up a couple of minutes later, hitting the side netting after a well-executed free kick following his turn past Morsy.
Vardy was edging closer and closer, sensing an opportunity.
And true to form, the fairytale was guaranteed a happy conclusion when he scored after 28 minutes.
Justin played a crucial role with the assist, as the full-back quickly pressed Jack Clarke, who lost his footing, allowing Justin to seize the ball and surge forward past two Ipswich players.
Vardy sprinted away, and Justin timed his pass perfectly, rolling the ball into his path.
And the clinical forward demonstrated his killer instinct, holding off his defender and skillfully rolling the ball past Palmer into the goal.
He then sprinted off to celebrate in front of the stunned Ipswich supporters, pulling the corner flag from its socket and raising it high above his head – like a victorious warrior.
That was the only instance the 38-year-old showed any sign of fatigue on his momentous day.
It will be fascinating to see if any manager grants his desire to play another year in the Premier League next season.
Based on his performance this season, he is certainly worth another opportunity, having finished as the Foxes` top scorer with 10 goals in a struggling, relegated side.
Leicester`s second goal originated from McAteer, who received a pass from Wilfred Ndidi and struck the ball fiercely into Palmer`s near post.
Ndidi was also substituted towards the end, receiving applause from the fans in his final appearance for the Foxes.
He contributed effectively, setting up the 23-year-old McAteer for his first-ever Premier League goal.
The winger only needs another 144 goals to match Vardy`s Premier League goal tally.
Best of luck with that!
