Jamie Vardy bid an emotional farewell to Leicester City after scoring his 200th goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich on Sunday, marking the end of his illustrious Foxes career.
The 38-year-old striker made his 500th and final appearance for Leicester in the match, capping off a remarkable journey that included a Premier League title in 2016 — when Leicester were 5,000/1 outsiders — and an FA Cup victory in 2021. Vardy’s rise from non-league football to Premier League and international success only added to his legendary status with Leicester fans.
Sunday’s match also coincided with the 13th anniversary of Vardy’s move to Leicester from Fleetwood, where he was signed for a non-league record fee of £1 million.
Speaking to the Leicester supporters after the game, Vardy reflected on his time with the club: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of this. I look forward to keeping an eye on the club I love. They are in my heart. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking myself and my family in as your own. I hope I’ve repaid you.”
With Leicester already relegated from the Premier League, Vardy had announced he would leave the club at the end of the season. It was agreed that his final appearance would come at home, ensuring the King Power Stadium would be the setting for his farewell.
Vardy delivered one last moment of magic in front of the fans, scoring the opening goal in the 28th minute before being substituted with 10 minutes remaining to a guard of honour from his teammates. Fans waved flags that read “Thank you Vards,” and banners saying “Goodbye GOAT (Greatest of All Time)” were displayed around the stadium.
Although he had missed two earlier chances, Vardy found the back of the net with a brilliant finish after being set up by James Justin, recording his ninth league goal of the season. Kasey McAteer sealed the win with a goal of his own in the 69th minute, ensuring Vardy’s final game ended on a high note.
“I’m happy I could play my way into the game and get on the scoresheet as well as Vardy,” said McAteer. “It’s classic Vardy, it’s spoken about how he always delivers, and that’s what he’s done for 13 years at this club. To play with him and call him my teammate is an honor. I was buzzing he got his 200th goal.”
