Leicester City Captain Jamie Vardy to Leave After 13 Seasons

LEICESTER, England — Leicester City has announced that club captain Jamie Vardy will leave the team at the end of the season, concluding a remarkable 13-year tenure with the club. The 38-year-old striker is the club’s all-time leading scorer, netting 198 goals in 496 appearances.

Vardy’s goals include 143 in the Premier League, placing him 15th on the league’s all-time scoring list. This season, he has contributed eight goals across all competitions and started in all but two of Leicester’s Premier League games.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha praised Vardy, stating, “Jamie is unique. He is a special player and an even more special person.” The chairman expressed gratitude for Vardy’s contributions, and stated that he and his family will always be welcome at King Power Stadium.

Vardy joined Leicester City in May 2012 from Fleetwood Town and played a crucial role as the club won the Championship in his second season. He made his Premier League debut in August 2013 and scored eight goals in that season, helping the club avoid relegation.

His outstanding 2015-16 season saw Vardy score 24 goals, leading Leicester to a historic league title. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2019-20 season and helped Leicester secure an FA Cup victory in 2021.

Despite a legendary career, Vardy’s role has diminished in recent seasons. He played primarily as a substitute last year, but returned to form with 15 goals in the Championship, aiding Leicester’s promotion back to the Premier League.

Vardy was also a key player on the international stage, earning 26 caps for England and scoring seven goals. He participated in major tournaments, including Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

As Leicester City currently sits at the bottom of the Premier League, the team’s relegation was confirmed after a recent loss to Liverpool. Vardy has expressed disappointment over the team’s struggles this season, labeling it a “total embarrassment.”

While he will depart Leicester, Vardy confirmed he is not retiring and is considering future opportunities, possibly in Major League Soccer. He reflected fondly on his time with the club, stating, “This has not only been really difficult for me to write but also a really difficult decision to make.”

Vardy’s last appearance at home is scheduled for May 18 against Ipswich Town, and he hopes for a memorable send-off from supporters.