Jamie Vardy to Play Final Leicester Game but “Won’t Retire” | OneFootball

Jamie Vardy to Depart Leicester City but Retirement Not on the Cards

Farewell after 13 Glorious Years

Jamie Vardy has confirmed he will leave Leicester City this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship—but the 38-year-old insists this is not the end of his playing career.

In a heartfelt message to supporters, Vardy revealed his decision to leave the Foxes, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 13-year stint. The striker departs as a Premier League champion, FA Cup winner, and widely regarded as Leicester’s greatest-ever player.

“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some downs but a majority, all highs, but it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about but I think the timing is right,” said Vardy. “I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own… this is my goodbye but you will see me again soon, I promise. Thank you.”

Record-Breaking Legacy at Leicester

Vardy joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012 in a £1 million deal that, at the time, raised eyebrows. Few could have predicted the scale of his impact. Nearly 500 appearances, 170 goals, and a Premier League Golden Boot later, the Sheffield-born striker exits as a legend.

From the “Great Escape” in 2015 to the historic title-winning campaign under Claudio Ranieri in 2016—where Vardy scored 24 league goals and famously netted in 11 consecutive matches—his story is etched in Premier League folklore.

His influence extended far beyond that iconic season. Under Brendan Rodgers, he added the FA Cup in 2021 and played a pivotal role in the club’s return to the Premier League last year, scoring 18 goals in the Championship-winning campaign.

A statement on lcfc.com read: “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.”

Emotional End to Tumultuous Season

Leicester’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday sealed their relegation—marking a second demotion in just three years. In the aftermath, Vardy publicly apologised to fans, branding the campaign a “total embarrassment.”

Though visibly emotional, Vardy has made it clear he’s not hanging up his boots just yet. His next destination remains unknown, but given his sharpness and experience, there’s likely to be no shortage of interest.

Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha paid tribute to the departing icon: “Jamie is unique. He is a special player and an even more special person… I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club.”

Vardy Symbolised More Than Silverware

Jamie Vardy’s journey defies convention. A late bloomer who rose from non-league football to win the Premier League, his story is one of resilience, commitment, and consistency. He didn’t just represent Leicester—he embodied its spirit.

As pundits and fans reflect, many note that while others moved on—like Mahrez and Kanté—Vardy stayed. He became the face of Leicester’s modern era, and even at 38, still found the net regularly.

He leaves with dignity, affection, and a legacy few will match.