Jamie Vardy, 38, announces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video statement after 13 years

JAMIE VARDY has announced he will leave Leicester City at the end of the season in an emotional video.

The Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following their defeat by Liverpool on the weekend.

The club legend – described by Leicester as ‘our greatest-ever player – was emotional when he revealed this season would be his last at the King Power Stadium.

Vardy, 38, said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.

“I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.

“It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go.

“If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.

“Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.

“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 it, but I think the timing it right.”

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Vardy helped Leicester into the Premier League in 2014 and helped keep them in it against the odds.

The striker then played a key role as the club pulled off their miracle league title victory in the 2015/16 season.

Vardy netted an impressive 24 times during that glorious campaign under Claudio Ranieri.

The Foxes captain also played a vital role in the club’s 2021 FA Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

These feats did not look very likely when he joined Leicester in 2012, for £1million from non-league Fleetwood Town.

Veteran Vardy has scored 198 goals in 496 appearances for the club and is their record Premier League scorer, as well as their third highest of all-time.

He stayed with the Foxes following relegation from the Premier League in 2023 and helped them return the following season.

Vardy has not been able to save the club this campaign, however, as they are heading back down to the Championship.

Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Jamie is unique.

“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.

“Although Jamie’s time with us as a player is ending, he and his family will always be welcomed back to King Power Stadium with open arms after all he has achieved.

“On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I wish Jamie and his family the very best for the future and I know our supporters will join us in giving him the send-off he deserves at the end of this season.”

Vardy’s last game at the King Power Stadium will be on May 18 as the Foxes host Ipswich Town.

His last game for the club could be the following week in the season finale against Bournemouth at the Vitality.

Vardy would want to be bowing out in better circumstances, and has described this relegation season as a “s**t show”.

He is currently 15th in the list of all-time Premier League scorers with 143 goals despite playing his first game in the division aged 27.

He has more goals in England’s top-flight than the likes of Robbie Keane, Nicolas Anelka, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright and Steven Gerrard.

He has been tipped to continue his career as clubs in America remain interested in his signature.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk