Leicester have announced that legendary striker and captain Jamie Vardy will leave the club at the end of this season. Vardy, 38, joined the Foxes for £1million from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and will make his 500th appearance for Leicester if he features in four of their last five games this term.
The 26-time England international won the Premier League, FA Cup and promotion from the Championship twice, as well as playing in the Champions League. Vardy has scored 198 goals for the Foxes in 496 games, making him their third-highest ever goalscorer.
Vardy started and played 62 minutes in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool which saw Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League confirmed. The 38-year-old’s contract will expire on June 30, making him a free agent.
In a video message posted on Instagram, Vardy said: “Gutted that this day has come but I knew it was going to come eventually. I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some down but the majority all highs. It’s finally time to call it a day which I am devastated about.
“But I think the timing is right, just wanna sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own. Leicester will always have a massive place in my heart and I’ll make sure that I’ll be following for years to come in what I hope will be even more success for the club. But as for now, this is my goodbye but you will see me again, I promise.”
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “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.”
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After the loss to Liverpool, Vardy posted a scathing assessment of Leicester’s first season back in the top flight on social media. “At this point, I don’t even know what to say,” he wrote.
“No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone. There are no excuses. Collectively, as players and as a club, we failed. There is simply no hiding, and I refuse to entertain any suggestion of doing so.
“Having been at this club for so long, we’ve experienced so many highs and successes – and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment. It hurts, and I know you’re feeling it too. To the fans: I’m sorry. Sorry we haven’t performed, and sorry we end the 2025 season with such a s**t show.”
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