Farewells are an integral part of the sporting stories, but not many have had a perfect farewell like Leicester City’s legendary striker Jamie Vardy.
The Englishman played his last game for Leicester yesterday, a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, ending a 13-year association. Despite Leicester having one more game left in the season, Vardy called it a day in front of the home fans at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
In a very poetic farewell, Vardy retired on the same date he had debuted 13 years back – 18th May 2012. His last appearance was the 500th game he played for Leicester City, and his last goal was the 200th goal for the club, making it look symmetrical in his stats box.
The arrival of Jamie Vardy at Leicester City is a story in itself, with the 38-year-old playing in the fifth tier of the English football system in 2012. However, after transferring from Fleetwood Town for one million pounds in 2012, Vardy became the greatest player of the club in the modern age, leading the Foxes to the 2015-16 Premier League title against all odds.
In the game against Ipswich, when he rolled the ball past goalkeeper Alex Palmer, a roar engulfed the King Power Stadium as Vardy ran to the Ipswich fans, placing a finger on his lips and raising the corner flag, like marking his territory for the last time.
Vardy, who worked as a technician making medicinal splints, started playing at Stocksbridge Park Steels in the non-league football before turning professional, making his Premier League debut at the age of 27 in the 2014-15 season.
Vardy’s highlight of the career will be the 2015-16 season, where he scored 24 goals to finish second in the Golden Boot race alongside Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, and one goal behind Golden Boot winner Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur. He also broke Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of consecutive Premier League matches with a goal scored consecutively in 11 games.
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Incidentally, Vardy ended his career at Leicester City under the coaching of Nistelrooy who showered praises on him, saying, “If you score your 200th goal on your 500th appearance, then you are a great one. Vardy has been a unique player and person for this football club. In the years to come we will realise we were part of this moment. He’s a character as well, there’s a story and an edge to him. He’s a great captain.”
His time in non-league football helped him go the distance in top-flight football, and he embodied the spirit with his raw pace, outrageous finishes and crazy celebrations. “My legs feel great, and people say the older you get, your pace goes, but it’s not affecting that side of things as of yet. Hopefully, because I came into the game later, it means I’ve got longer to go,” Vardy told Sky Sports.
Vardy received a guard of honour from his teammates and a standing ovation from the home support when he was substituted in the 80th minute.
When asked how Leicester would do without him, he replied, “They’ll be fine. At the end of the day, we’ve got a good squad, we’ve got all youngsters coming through. I’m glad I’m not them! Football is a killer mentally, and I couldn’t do it all again.
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“I will keep an eye on the club I love. They’re in my heart. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking me and my family in as your own. I hope I’ve repaid you,” Vardy concluded in front of an emotional crowd.
