NafisaThere will be more than just a few tears this weekend at the King Power Stadium as Jamie Vardy bids farewell.
The Leicester City icon has lifted both the Premier League and FA Cup with the Foxes, but after 13 years, this weekend’s clash against Ipswich Town will be his farewell appearance.
Although it’s not the final fixture of the campaign, the club has decided that Sunday will be his last outing in Leicester’s famous blue shirt.
There’s a very good explanation for that, and a grand celebration is planned — one that Vardy himself would definitely approve of.
Why is this Vardy’s final Leicester match?
When Vardy leads the side out at a packed King Power Stadium on Sunday, it will mark his 500th game for Leicester — and he’s witnessed it all.
From a pair of relegations to two major honours, Vardy’s spell as a Leicester player has been filled with highs, lows, and a remarkable goal tally.
The forward is currently on 199 goals, so it would be poetic if he were to score his 200th on his milestone 500th appearance.
As this is Leicester’s final home match of the season, the club wants supporters to be able to properly say goodbye to their talisman, and finishing on 500 games makes for a perfect endpoint.
Of course, there’s always the chance he could return to the King Power next season in an opposing shirt, as he’s not planning to retire just yet — but Sunday will be all about honouring Vardy.
May 18 also happens to be the exact date he signed for the club 13 years ago, making it a fitting farewell for the legendary frontman.
As for the day’s itinerary, the club has confirmed the Fan Zone will open from 12pm.
There will be a special flag display before kick-off, and after the final whistle, fans are encouraged to stay in their seats for a post-match tribute to Vardy.
This will include a lap of honour with his family and a number of his former teammates.
Following the announcement that this would be Vardy’s final match for the Foxes, club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said:
“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.”
Nafisa
