New Delhi: Jamie Vardy is preparing to step onto the King Power Stadium pitch one last time in Leicester colours on Sunday, and the occasion couldn’t be more poetic. The legendary striker is set to make his 500th and final appearance for the Foxes, exactly 13 years to the day since he signed for the club. Not just that, he also has a chance to notch his 200th goal for Leicester, a milestone that would perfectly cap off an unforgettable career.

When the Foxes registered one of the biggest examples of underdog success stories, Vardy from Sheffield was the highest scorer that season. He has come a long way from starting as a non-league player to winning the Premier League title in 2016. Leicester City are planning a heartfelt farewell to honour their iconic number nine.

The stands are expected to be packed early with fans urged to be seated before kick-off to take part in a pre-match celebration. Leicester City will distribute souvenir flags, and former teammates will return to pay tribute to one of the club’s greatest-ever players. His teammates also gave him a guard of honour in his last training session as a Fox.

From non-league player to club legend

Vardy’s rise in football has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting his career in non-league football with Stocksbridge Park Steels, the Sheffield-born striker was spotted at the age of 22 and made his way up the football ladder through FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town. His move to Leicester City in 2012 changed both his life and the club’s fortunes.

Vardy played a pivotal role in Leicester’s fairytale Premier League title triumph in 2016 and was also key in their FA Cup triumph in 2021. The striker’s story is one of sheer determination and belief, a reminder that hard work and perseverance can take you to the top, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Record-breaking achievements

The 38-year-old has broken many records but the most prominent one is when he won the Premier League Golden Boot award at 33. The English footballer netted 23 goals in the 2019/20 season to grab the award. The Foxes striker has 143 Premier League goals to his name, just behind the club legends Kane, Aguero and Henry in terms of goals scored for a single club. This season, he played 34 matches, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in the crucial Premier League fixtures.

His record for most Premier League goals scored after turning 30 is another testament to his longevity and impact at the highest level. He also made 26 appearances for England, scoring seven goals and representing the nation at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

A legacy that will live on

Speaking ahead of the game, Vardy told the club website he is unsure how emotional he will be.  “This club will always have a massive place in my heart. It’s family,” he said. “The fans took me in like I was one of their own… I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last (game), but good things, they do come to an end.”

Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy also echoed those emotions, praising Vardy’s professionalism, achievements, and influence on the squad. The Dutchman said, “There’s a big motivation among the players and staff to give him the best possible farewell.”

The last fixture as a Fox against Ipswich Town at King Power Stadium will mark a day filled with emotion, pride, and celebration, marking the final chapter in the fairytale of Jamie Vardy, the man who went from factory floors and non-league fields to becoming one of the Premier League’s finest strikers.