Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, closing the chapter on an extraordinary 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium.
The 38-year-old striker, revered as one of the Premier League’s most remarkable success stories, revealed he is not retiring and intends to keep playing.
The Foxes officially announced Vardy’s departure on Wednesday, hailing him as “our greatest ever player.” Since joining from non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, Vardy has become a club legend, scoring 198 goals in 498 appearances. He is Leicester’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 143 goals.
In a heartfelt message posted via the club’s social media, Vardy said, “To the fans of Leicester, I’m gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually. 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, but I think the timing is right. Leicester will always, always have a massive place in my heart.”
Vardy famously led the line during Leicester’s stunning 2015-16 Premier League title-winning campaign, scoring 24 goals in one of English football’s most improbable triumphs. He was also instrumental in the club’s 2021 FA Cup win over Chelsea at Wembley.
Despite stepping away from Leicester, Vardy was quick to clarify that his footballing journey isn’t over. “This isn’t retirement. I want to keep on playing and doing what I enjoy most – scoring goals. I may be 38 but I still have the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.”
Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha paid tribute to the outgoing striker, stating, “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.”
Vardy’s announcement comes on the heels of a turbulent season for Leicester. The club, now under the management of Ruud van Nistelrooy, has endured a difficult campaign and currently sits 19th in the table with just 18 points from 33 matches. Vardy previously described the team’s form as a “total embarrassment” and labeled the season “miserable.”
As Vardy prepares for his next chapter, Leicester fans will remember him not only for his goals and silverware but also for his relentless spirit and loyalty that defined a golden era for the club.
