If it seems decades since Jamie Vardy burst onto the scene and into football folklore, well then you’d be right. The famous story of him being plucked from then National League Fleetwood Town to help Leicester City to Premier League glory is a real rags-to-riches tale.
Now, aged 37 he says that his age is not a factor in his play, and he proved that last weekend with a brace in the Foxes 5-0 win at Stoke City, after coming off the bench. A healthy training routine and how Enzo Maresca is using him is no doubt helping his longevity.
A firm fan favourite, Vardy insists he still has lots to give.
In an interview on BBC Radio Leicester, he said. “Age is just a number. You are as old as you feel, how your legs feel, and I make sure I look after myself and make sure I recover right and do extra when I’m at home.
“So as long as I keep doing that, I’ll keep feeling fresh.”
There have been bumps in the road recently and he is just coming back from a knee injury, but clearly has a sharpness in front of the goal. That natural predatory instinct is something that all strikers thrive on. Now though, as he enters the final months of his current contract, he is looking to help Leicester back into the top flight.
“Like anything, you can never be too old to learn something new. It’s the way he [Maresca] wants us to play and when you are on the training pitch, it’s all about taking that, practicing that and making sure that you are able to do it so you give yourself a chance of getting into his team.
“Playing the football we do has been really enjoyable for myself personally. It has added a different dimension to my game, so it’s been brilliant.”
“You are not going to be able to win every single game, that’s not really possible with how many games there are. So you have to take the rough with the smooth.
“When we have had a little blip, it’s all about refocusing and taking it to the next game and making sure we go on another big run. Hopefully, we can carry that on now.”
Writer’s View
Jamie Vardy is one of those Marmite players in football and you just know he loves that. If he was scoring the goals for your team, then you would appreciate just what he does. Should he finish the season on a high, and help Leicester gain promotion then it will be another feather in his cap.
This summer could be pivotal though. Out of contract and a Premier League that is always evolving could be too much for any player who is pushing 40. Vardy could be one of the exceptions of course, and he will be well deserving if he gains another year on the Foxes books.
