Leicester City have confirmed the departure of their iconic striker and captain Jamie Vardy at the conclusion of the current season. The 38 year old, who signed for the Foxes from Fleetwood Town in 2012 for £1million, is on the brink of his 500th appearance for Leicester, needing to play in four of their remaining five matches this term.
The former England forward has an impressive trophy cabinet with Leicester, boasting a Premier League title, an FA Cup victory, and two promotions from the Championship, as well as having graced the Champions League stage. With 198 goals from 496 appearances, Vardy ranks as Leicester’s third all-time top scorer.
Vardy was in the starting lineup for 62 minutes during Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool, a result that sealed Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. His contract is set to run out on June 30, which will see him become a free agent.
In an emotional Instagram video, Vardy shared: “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 has paid a heartfelt tribute to Vardy as the striker’s time at the club draws to a close. “Jamie is unique. He is a special player and an even more special person,” he said.
“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.”
Srivaddhanaprabha also assured that Vardy’s legacy at the club will be everlasting, adding: “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.”
Following a defeat to Liverpool, Vardy took to social media to vent his frustration over Leicester’s challenging season. “At this point, I don’t even know what to say,” he admitted.
His message continued with a candid reflection: “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*** show.”
