Jamie Vardy reacts to ‘GOAT’ claim as Leicester team-mate says goodbye
Leicester City players past and present have issued tributes to Jamie Vardy as he prepares to leave the King Power Stadium.
Vardy bowed out in style against Ipswich Town on Sunday in Leicester’s penultimate game of the Premier League season, which saw them beat the Tractor Boys 2-0 before both sides head to the Championship.
Ruud van Nistelrooy picked up just the fourth win of his tenure at the King Power – and second in the last three games since relegation was confirmed – and fittingly it was Vardy who scored the Foxes’ opener.
Leicester leapfrogged their relegated compatriots to 18th in the table after Kasey McAteer netted his first Premier League goal to seal and the points, as the Foxes prepare to face Bournemouth on the final day.
Vardy called ‘greatest of all time’ by Leicester striker
Vardy’s opening goal in the 28th minute on Sunday didn’t only send Leicester on their way to just a sixth victory of the season, it was also his 200th in Foxes colours on what was his 500th appearance for them.
The strike also came exactly 13 years to the day since his move from non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, a £1million transfer which has proven to be one of the best bargains in Leicester’s entire history.
The 38-year-old’s imminent departure from the King Power Stadium has led to an outpouring of tributes from several of his current and former Liecester team-mates, and striker Patson Daka was no different.
In an Instagram post (20 May) both liked by Vardy and shared on the Leicester legend’s story, the Zambian showcased several images of himself and Vardy, and said: “GOAT – what a player.”
Leicester face uncertain summer both on and off the pitch
With Vardy’s exit already confirmed this summer with the Foxes set to return to the Championship, other strikers could also leave after Leicester were happy to sell Daka following their last relegation in 2023.
Vardy has been linked with clubs aplenty who are keen for the veteran to continue his Premier League career, while Rangers could also launch a bid for the soon-to-be free agent under Steven Gerrard.
Van Nistelrooy has also paid tribute to Vardy as uncertainty also shrouds his future in the East Midlands, and with a turbulent summer and second-tier season on the horizon, the next few months will be huge for Leicester.