With Leicester City relegated early this season, legendary striker Jamie Vardy will officially bid farewell to the club he has played for 13 years this summer, ending an extraordinary journey that has gone down in Premier League history.

The 38-year-old striker has no plans to retire yet, but he admitted in his farewell statement that he was "sad" to leave the club he loved. Since joining from Fleetwood in 2012, Vardy has played 496 games for Leicester, just four games away from the 500-game milestone. He was the number one contributor to Leicester City's "Premier League Miracle" in the 2015-16 season, scoring 24 goals that season, helping the team win the Premier League title for the first time, and won the FA Cup trophy with the team in 2021.

"I've had 13 incredible years at this club, a period of great success, some lows, but more than a few highs," Vardy said in a farewell video to fans.

"Now, it's time to say goodbye. Although I'm very sad, I believe this is the right time. I sincerely thank you for treating me as one of your own. Leicester City will always have a special place in my heart. In the days to come, I will continue to follow and support the team. I believe Leicester will succeed again. Although this is my farewell, I promise-you will see me again. Thank you."

Last season, Vardy scored 18 goals in the Championship and helped the team return to the Premier League. However, this season, his form has declined, with only 7 league goals, and the team was relegated in advance due to a 0-1 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, falling back to the Championship for the second time in two years.

Leicester City officially issued a statement confirming Vardy's departure, calling him "the greatest player in the club's history". Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "Vardy is unique. He is not only a special player, but also a respectable person. He has won the respect and love of all Leicester City people, and also my deepest respect and gratitude. Thank you for all his contributions to the club."