Jamie Vardy: When age is just a number and a new journey in Italy

Goodbye Leicester, the place where immortal miracles were written

Last May, when the final whistle blew on the final match of the 2024/25 Premier League season, the entire King Power Stadium stood up and gave Jamie Vardy a standing ovation. It was not just a farewell to a striker, but a tribute to a living icon of Leicester.

During his 13 years at the Foxes, Vardy left behind a legacy that is hard to match: more than 200 goals in 500 appearances, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League. The biggest mark, of course, was the magical 2015/16 season, when Leicester, under the leadership of Claudio Ranieri, shocked the world by winning the Premier League.

Vardy was the heart and soul of the team. His 24 goals not only brought important points, but also inspired his teammates and fans that miracles could happen. A striker who had played semi-professional football and worked as a factory worker had risen to become an English champion - the story has become legendary.

“Leicester has been my family, my whole life for more than a decade. But I know I still have enough energy to continue another journey," Vardy shared tearfully on the day of farewell.

And that new journey, surprisingly, began in Italy.

Vardy on his farewell day to the Premier League 2024/25.

Cremonese - where Vardy proves 'age is just a number'

In early September, Jamie Vardy officially signed a free contract with Cremonese - a Serie A rookie. This choice surprised many people: why would a player who has just turned 38, having just ended a brilliant career in England, decide to come to one of the most harsh football environments in Europe?

The answer lies in Vardy's character: he doesn't take it easy, he doesn't take the easy way out. He came to Italy to challenge himself, to keep fighting, and to prove that he still has value on the pitch.

Asked whether the motivation of him and other veterans such as Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric, who also chose Serie A this summer, is still strong enough, Vardy replied emphatically:

“You are probably one of those who doubted me. And you are the one I want to prove to that I am still valuable. Age is just a number. As long as my legs are strong and my spirit is fresh, I will continue to contribute."

Last season, Vardy still scored 10 goals for Leicester, including 9 goals in the Premier League, clearly proving that he still retains his killer instinct.

At Cremonese, he joined a team that had just returned to Serie A after many years of absence, with a clear goal of staying in the top flight. But in the opening round, Cremonese created an earthquake when they defeated AC Milan 2-1, then continued to beat Sassuolo 3-2.

An atmosphere of optimism pervades Cremona, and Vardy's arrival has only added to that confidence.

“Just like when I was at Leicester, the number one task is to stay in the league. There is no need to dream too far, just focus on each match, give your best, and the results will come," Vardy affirmed.

Besides the professional side, Vardy also faces a big challenge: language and culture. He has started learning Italian, but with his usual wit, Vardy said: "It's okay, football has its own language - the ball."

The reception from Cremonese fans was unexpected, with Italian media comparing Vardy's debut to Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Juventus, a fact that shows the former Leicester striker's appeal has not diminished.

Jamie Vardy is more than just a famous striker. He is a symbol of extraordinary willpower, from a semi-professional football worker to a Premier League star, and now an “ageless warrior” who still craves challenges. In Italy, it is not known how that journey will end. But right now, at the age of 38, the fact that Vardy is still on the field, fighting with a fiery spirit, is enough to make him an inspiration not only for footballers, but for anyone who believes that age is never a limit.