Jamie Vardy’s Leicester legacy sealed with 200th goal in final appearance with the Foxes
Jamie Vardy marked his final home appearance for Leicester City by scoring his 200th goal, celebrating a remarkable career with the club amidst an emotional farewell at King Power Stadium.
Jamie Vardy's final home game in action for Leicester City as a player was unforgettable, topped by the milestone goal that secured his status as one of the club's all-time greats. In front of a full King Power Stadium crowd, Vardy scored his 200th goal for Leicester, a moment much looked forward to during the season and celebrated with fond tributes from fans, past players, and club legends.
Despite Leicester's challenging season and their definitive relegation, the atmosphere was electric as fans united to honor Vardy's incredible contributions to the team throughout the years. The game was a tribute to the club's all-time great striker leaving the team as well as a reminder of how great Leicester has been in the recent past, for example, winning a Premier League title and an FA Cup.
“No Vardy, no party”: Leicester says goodbye to Jamie Vardy
The break eventually came in the 28th minute, though it had been on its way the entire game — indeed, the entire day, week, and month. James Justin picked the ball up deep in his own half, sprinted down the vulnerable Ipswich midfield, and held out for Leicester's No. 9 to make his timed run to perfection.
Jamie Vardy, in his 500th game for Leicester, glided the move with ease from the center to the right side across into the box. He used to take one touch to control the ball and with a fast second touch chipped it through Dara O'Shea's legs and into the far post, leaving goalkeeper Alex Palmer with no chance. This was Vardy's 200th goal for the club.
The scoreboard flickered with his face and the number 200, once more, at the perfect time. Leicester fans displayed flags with the inscription “Thank you Vards” while a tribute show “Goodbye to the GOAT” was handed out.
Manager Nigel Pearson, the one who initially signed Vardy up 13 years ago, was joined by former teammates from Leicester's 2016 title-winning squad made up of Wes Morgan, Marc Albrighton, Kasper Schmeichel, and Danny Simpson.
Before the start of the game, Vardy warmed up with his three children, who were also day mascots. His signature runs and goal-scoring opportunities suggested this was going to be an unforgettable day, momentarily overshadowing Leicester's underlying problems.
Though emotional, the game was virtually meaningless other than for Vardy's record goal, since both teams, on only 22 points, were already down. Vardy had requested this to be his final home fixture so that he could bid farewell to Leicester supporters before returning to a lower-profile life with his family. But doubts surround the future of Leicester.
Jamie Vardy scored 200 goals before leaving Leicester Ciy next season. Photo: Sky News
Leicester City won despite relegation's for the next season
After a "shitshow" of a season — Vardy's description — with nine consecutive home defeats without a goal, manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who has amassed eight points in six games since relegation was confirmed, is still not sure if he will be here next season. This makes planning difficult.
King Power Stadium supporters sang "Stand up if you love Vardy," with the vast majority in favor, but frustration was also heard with supporters chanting "Sack the board" and "We want Rudkin out" — a call for Leicester's director of football, Jon Rudkin, in a show of displeasure with how the club is being managed.
Kasey McAteer sealed the win with his first Premier League goal in the 69th minute, shooting into the top corner at a tight angle after intelligent play by Wilfred Ndidi and Bilal El Khannouss.
With 10 minutes remaining, Leicester players formed a guard of honor as Vardy's number was held aloft for the last time. The club's finest player was replaced by Patson Daka. Vardy sat on the bench, stretching and soaking it all in.
Jamie Vardy's having a party" chants intertwined with the omnipresent "Sack the board" throughout the evening. The night concluded with a Sky Sports reporter preparing to interview Vardy alongside Leicester chairman Top Srivaddhanaprabha — a rare attempt to try to make the party the focus at the troubled club.
However, it would be unfair to deny Vardy a proper send-off. No player has done more for Leicester's greatest decade, one that included a Premier League title and an FA Cup victory, so this farewell is a richly deserved tribute to a club legend.
