April 24, 2025, 07:08 AM ET
Jamie Birdie will leave Leicester City at the end of the season, and the Premier League club already involved confirmed Thursday.
The 38-year-old Vardy led the line for 13 years and painted Leicester folklore, playing a pivotal role, scoring 198 goals in 495 appearances in the miraculous 2016 Premier League title victory.
England International has collected FA Cup, Community Shield and two championship titles at Foxes, and is hailed as “the greatest player of all time” in the club’s statement.
“I didn’t expect it to end here for a long time, so this was not only a really difficult decision for me to write about, but it was also a really difficult decision,” Vardy said in a video released on his social media.
“Leicester City was my second home, my extended family and my life and my life have been 13 years. Clubs, cities and people mean so much to me and my family. It’s where the lives of the children who were able to call Leicester for a long time.
Vardy has scored 198 goals in 495 appearances for the club over 13 years. Getty
Vardy’s final campaign with Leicester is not memorable, and the club’s relegation has already been confirmed. Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s side is 19th and only 18 points, with Vardy’s final game at the club facing Ipswichtown on May 18th.
He claims he hasn’t yet brought time to his career.
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“My only regret, and I’m devastated about this, that I’m not saying goodbye to you [the fans] Behind the scenes of a much better season, Vardy added.
“This is not a retirement. I’m enjoying playing and playing. A goal scored. I hope there will be a few more Leicesters at the end of this season and in the future Leicester.
Vardy has scored just seven goals for Leicester this season. The club’s best campaigns appeared in 2015-16, and they formed a great relationship with Riyad Mahrez on the way to win the Shock League title. Leicester was a 5000-1 outsider heading into the season.
“Jamie is unique,” said Leicester City Chairman Aiyawat Sribaddhanaprava. “He’s a special player and even a special person. He has a place in the hearts of all who are connected to Leicester City. He certainly has my deep respect and affection.
“On behalf of everyone in Leicester City, we hope that Jamie and his family are the best in the future, and we know that our supporters will be taking part in giving him the right send-off at the end of this season.”
