/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/02/04/3880159-78836108-2560-1440.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67131045/1261725039.jpg.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66321622/1206682849.jpg.0.jpg)
Fans spot glaring omission in Jamie Vardy’s goodbye statement which speaks volumes
Jamie Vardy left one notable name out of his farewell video to Leicester City. The veteran striker announced his departure from the King Power Stadium at the end of the season after a glittering 13-year spell at the club. Jamie Vardy will be remembered as a Leicester City legendGetty The 38-year-old is widely regarded as the club’s greatest-ever player ahead of former stars such as Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker and more recently, title-winners N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez. Signed from Fleetwood for just £1million in 2012, Vardy went on to lead the Midlands club to the Premier League title and FA Cup glory while firing the Foxes to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2017. His brilliance coupled with an unwavering loyalty made him the darling of the King Power after so many of his teammates had bid their own farewells. And speaking of farewells, Vardy was keen to reference his thanks to key figures at the club, with the exception of one person, as pointed out by fans on social media. That person is under-fire director of football Jon Rudkin – who has long held a tumultuous relationship with the striker. In a video posted on Thursday, the Foxes’ no.9 said: “The list of people to thank is long: starting with Khun Vichai, Khun Top, and Nigel Pearson, for giving me, a 25-year-old non-league striker, the opportunity to not just become a professional footballer but to play for this great club. “You believed in me and I hope I repaid your faith. A big thank you also to Susan Whelan for her constant support and of course my wife Becky and the children for being my rock each and every day.” With no mention of Rudkin, who has held his post since December 2014, it only adds fuel to rumours that there is animosity between them. One supporter on social media wrote: “Massive Jon Rudkin shaped hole in that Jamie Vardy announcement then.” talkSPORT understands Vardy was not offered a new contract by the Foxes before announcing his decision to leave, with interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia. Jon Rudkin (left) has not always seen eye-to-eye with VardyGetty GettyRuud van Nistelrooy is reportedly uncomfortable with Vardy’s status in the club[/caption] Rudkin, who cops much of the flack for Leicester’s perceived mismanagement, is believed to be unhappy with Vardy’s perceived influence and power within the club. Reports suggest that Vardy’s standing has also caused issues with current boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, with the Dutchman’s arrival coinciding with the striker’s worst run of goalscoring form in recent memory However, Vardy holds a strong relationship with Leicester owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, making the situation all the more challenging. There are claims that Top engages with Vardy on a deeper level to that of Van Nistelrooy and values the striker’s input leaving Rudkin’s influence compromised. Reacting to Vardy’s departure, the Leicester chairman paid tribute to the outgoing star saying he and his family will always be welcomed back to the club. “Jamie is unique,” he said via the club’s official website. “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. Vardy’s finest hour came when he fired Leicester to Premier League glory in 2016Getty Images - Getty “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.” Vardy has netted 198 goals in 496 games and has just five games remaining to reach the magical 200 mark for the club. The veteran begins his farewell tour when relegated Leicester travel to Molineux on Saturday. Fixtures against Southampton and East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest follow before the striker takes to the pitch for the final time at the King Power Stadium against Ipswich on May 18. His final game for the Foxes takes place on the last day of the season at Bournemouth.
Jamie Vardy left one notable name out of his farewell video to Leicester City.
The veteran striker announced his departure from the King Power Stadium at the end of the season after a glittering 13-year spell at the club.
The 38-year-old is widely regarded as the club’s greatest-ever player ahead of former stars such as Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker and more recently, title-winners N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez.
Signed from Fleetwood for just £1million in 2012, Vardy went on to lead the Midlands club to the Premier League title and FA Cup glory while firing the Foxes to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2017.
His brilliance coupled with an unwavering loyalty made him the darling of the King Power after so many of his teammates had bid their own farewells.
And speaking of farewells, Vardy was keen to reference his thanks to key figures at the club, with the exception of one person, as pointed out by fans on social media.
That person is under-fire director of football Jon Rudkin – who has long held a tumultuous relationship with the striker.
In a video posted on Thursday, the Foxes’ no.9 said: “The list of people to thank is long: starting with Khun Vichai, Khun Top, and Nigel Pearson, for giving me, a 25-year-old non-league striker, the opportunity to not just become a professional footballer but to play for this great club.
“You believed in me and I hope I repaid your faith. A big thank you also to Susan Whelan for her constant support and of course my wife Becky and the children for being my rock each and every day.”
With no mention of Rudkin, who has held his post since December 2014, it only adds fuel to rumours that there is animosity between them.
One supporter on social media wrote: “Massive Jon Rudkin shaped hole in that Jamie Vardy announcement then.”
talkSPORT understands Vardy was not offered a new contract by the Foxes before announcing his decision to leave, with interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia.
Rudkin, who cops much of the flack for Leicester’s perceived mismanagement, is believed to be unhappy with Vardy’s perceived influence and power within the club.
Reports suggest that Vardy’s standing has also caused issues with current boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, with the Dutchman’s arrival coinciding with the striker’s worst run of goalscoring form in recent memory
However, Vardy holds a strong relationship with Leicester owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, making the situation all the more challenging.
There are claims that Top engages with Vardy on a deeper level to that of Van Nistelrooy and values the striker’s input leaving Rudkin’s influence compromised.
Reacting to Vardy’s departure, the Leicester chairman paid tribute to the outgoing star saying he and his family will always be welcomed back to the club.
“Jamie is unique,” he said via the club’s official website. “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.”
Vardy has netted 198 goals in 496 games and has just five games remaining to reach the magical 200 mark for the club.
The veteran begins his farewell tour when relegated Leicester travel to Molineux on Saturday.
Fixtures against Southampton and East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest follow before the striker takes to the pitch for the final time at the King Power Stadium against Ipswich on May 18.
His final game for the Foxes takes place on the last day of the season at Bournemouth.
