Why Jamie Vardy is playing final Leicester game this weekend and not on last day of season as legend says goodbye

There will be more than one or two tears this weekend at the King Power Stadium as Jamie Vardy says goodbye. The Leicester City legend has won the Premier League and FA Cup with the Foxes, but after 13 years, this weekend’s game against Ipswich Town will be his last. It’s time for Vardy to move on, bringing an end to a magnificent career in the East MidlandsGetty Images - Getty Of course, this isn’t the final day of the season, but the club have decided Sunday will be his last match in the blue of Leicester. There is a very good reason for that, and there is a big party planned, one that Vardy himself would be proud of. Why is this Vardy’s last Leicester game? When Vardy leads the team out at a packed King Power Stadium on Sunday, it will mark his 500th appearance in a Leicester shirt, and he’s seen it all. From two relegations to two major trophies, Vardy’s time as a Leicester player has been full of ups and downs and plenty of goals. The striker is sitting on 199, so it would be fitting if on his 500th appearance, he could score his 200th goal. This is Leicester’s last home game of the season, so the club want the fans to be able to say a proper goodbye to the striker, while going out on 500 appearances is also a nice number to end on. Of course, he could be back at Leicester next season as an opposition player because he has no plans to retire yet, but Sunday will all be about celebrating Vardy. Vardy is Leicester’s greatest modern-day playerGetty May 18 also marks the exact day that Vardy signed for the club 13 years ago, so it’s a fitting send off for this legendary striker. In terms of the plans for the day, the club have announced the Fan Zone will be open from 12pm. There will be a special flag display pre-match, and, after the game, fans have been asked to remain in their seats to honour Vardy in a post-match celebration. This will involve Vardy walking around the pitch with his family and a selection of former teammates. After the decision was announced that this match would be Vardy’s last for Leicester, club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “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.” Despite this season being a struggle, Vardy leaves Leicester with more good than bad memoriesGetty Leicester vs Ipswich: Date and how to follow This Premier League game is set to take place on Sunday, May 18. Kick-off at the King Power Stadium is scheduled for 3pm. talkSPORT will have updates throughout the afternoon with Sam Matterface on the Sunday Session. talkSPORT.com will also have the action as it unfolds via our dedicated Premier League blog. To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

May 15, 2025 - 18:08

Why Jamie Vardy is playing final Leicester game this weekend and not on last day of season as legend says goodbye

There will be more than one or two tears this weekend at the King Power Stadium as Jamie Vardy says goodbye.

The Leicester City legend has won the Premier League and FA Cup with the Foxes, but after 13 years, this weekend’s game against Ipswich Town will be his last.

It’s time for Vardy to move on, bringing an end to a magnificent career in the East Midlands

Of course, this isn’t the final day of the season, but the club have decided Sunday will be his last match in the blue of Leicester.

There is a very good reason for that, and there is a big party planned, one that Vardy himself would be proud of.

Why is this Vardy’s last Leicester game?

When Vardy leads the team out at a packed King Power Stadium on Sunday, it will mark his 500th appearance in a Leicester shirt, and he’s seen it all.

From two relegations to two major trophies, Vardy’s time as a Leicester player has been full of ups and downs and plenty of goals.

The striker is sitting on 199, so it would be fitting if on his 500th appearance, he could score his 200th goal.

This is Leicester’s last home game of the season, so the club want the fans to be able to say a proper goodbye to the striker, while going out on 500 appearances is also a nice number to end on.

Of course, he could be back at Leicester next season as an opposition player because he has no plans to retire yet, but Sunday will all be about celebrating Vardy.

Vardy is Leicester’s greatest modern-day player

May 18 also marks the exact day that Vardy signed for the club 13 years ago, so it’s a fitting send off for this legendary striker.

In terms of the plans for the day, the club have announced the Fan Zone will be open from 12pm.

There will be a special flag display pre-match, and, after the game, fans have been asked to remain in their seats to honour Vardy in a post-match celebration.

This will involve Vardy walking around the pitch with his family and a selection of former teammates.

After the decision was announced that this match would be Vardy’s last for Leicester, club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “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.”