Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at end of season

Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy will part ways with the club at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a legendary spell that spanned over a decade. The club, relegated from the Premier League this year, confirmed the news on Thursday.
Vardy, who famously led Leicester’s fairytale 2015/16 title-winning campaign, has been described by the club as "our greatest-ever player."

Signed from non-league Fleetwood Town for just £1 million in 2012, Vardy went on to score 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances, becoming Leicester’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 143 goals. His remarkable tally of 24 goals in the 2015/16 season played a pivotal role in the Foxes’ historic title triumph.

The 38-year-old also featured in Leicester's 2021 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, further cementing his status as a club legend.
"We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player," read the club's statement.

"Jamie is unique," said chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. "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."
Vardy admitted he was heartbroken by the decision but acknowledged the time was right.

"To the fans of Leicester, I'm gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually," he said in a video posted on social media. "I've spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs."

Vardy, the last remaining player from the 2016 title-winning squad, stayed with Leicester after their 2023 relegation and helped them earn promotion back to the Premier League. However, the club now faces a return to the Championship after another poor campaign.

In 31 league appearances this season, Vardy scored seven goals. After relegation was confirmed following a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, he offered a brutally honest verdict on the season.
"This season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment," he wrote on social media. "It hurts."
With Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side languishing in 19th place with 18 points from 33 games, Vardy's final appearance at the King Power Stadium is set for May 18 against Ipswich Town — who are also on the brink of relegation.