Jamie Vardy was the toast of Leicester City’s Seagrave training ground as he took to the grass one last time ahead of today’s final farewell in front of the fans at the King Power Stadium.
The 38-year-old will bow out this afternoon when City host Ipswich in their last home match of the campaign. It will be the striker’s 500th appearance for the club.
The club legend trained for the final time with his Foxes teammates on Saturday, after which manager Ruud van Nistelrooy and his staff and players formed a guard of honour and applauded the veteran front man who has given such outstanding service to the club.
The club posted footage of the scenes on the LCFC instagram account with the message: Bumps for Vards! Jamie Vardy trains for the final time as a Fox. He is seen joking with his team-mates as they and staff members show their appreciation of his brilliant contribution over the past 13 years.
“I just think it’s going to be one of those emotional days,” Vardy told the club’s official matchday publication ahead of his 500th and final appearance.
“I’m not really somebody who shows his emotions either, if you ask anyone who’s close to me, so I’m not sure how it’s all going to pan out for myself when the day finally comes around.
“It’s heat of the moment stuff and what will happen will happen, but I’m really looking forward to the occasion. I’m sure it’ll be a special day.
“It’d mean everything to me [to end on a high]. For me, personally, it would be a nice little send-off for myself to have the fans cheering one last time.
“It’ll be a sad day as well, but [leaving is] something that I’ve thought about and spoke about with my family. I just think it’s time. I’ll obviously be devastated on the day, when it is my last game, but good things, they come an end.”
Here’s how fans reacted to the footage...
Littlejolcfc: End of an era, the BEST era we’ve ever had, and it wouldn’t have happened without Vardy. It will be a very special but heartbreaking day.
Dannzy1: The Legend, privilege to see part of your journey brother.
Trammy_jnr: Legend button.
Jewell: What a legend.
Claudemousonera: I wanted to see you play for Liverpool but even if it wasn’t possible, you did a great job there. Every football fan will always respect you for the love and dedication you showed to the people of Leicester City ... where you refused to leave them alone. you are true Legend.
Stevie_boy09: This shouldn’t be happening, I really can’t my head around @vardy7 not being around LCFC.
fox.in.the.box.84: Man, it’s actually happening isn’t it.
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