Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at end of the season

Leicester City talismanic striker Jamie Vardy is all set to leave the club at the end of the season, the club announced on Thursday. Vardy scored 198 goals in 495 appearances for the Foxes during his 13-year stint.

The forward also played a key role in taking Leicester City to glory in the 2016 miraculous season. The 38-year-old won an FA Cup, Community Shield and two Championship titles with the club and the team hailed him as their greatest ever player.

“I’ve been here so long that I truly never thought it would end, so this has not only been really difficult for me to write but also a really difficult decision to make,” Vardy said in a video published on his social media.

“Leicester City has been my second home and my extended family and my life for 13 years. The club, the city, the people mean so much to me and my family. It’s a place that has shaped the lives of our kids who have been so lucky to call Leicester home for so long. But for me the time has come to say goodbye.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side is already relegated as they are in 19th position with just 18 points, and Vardy’s swansong for the club will be on May 18 against Ipswich Town.

Vardy said he is not retiring from the sport, but he regrets that he is not finishing on a high with Leicester City.

“My only regret, and I’m devastated about this, is that I’m not saying farewell to you [the fans] on the back of a much better season,” Vardy added. “This isn’t the way I wanted my career here to finish.

“This isn’t retirement. I want to keep playing and doing my enjoy most: Scoring goals. Hopefully, there are a few more for Leicester between now and the end of the season and many more in the future. I might be 38 but I still have the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.”

Vardy has scored just seven goals for Leicester this season.