Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy insists age is just a number as he starts out life at new club | OneFootball

Jamie Vardy (38) insists “age is just a number” as he embarks on a new chapter of his remarkable career with Serie A side Cremonese.

The 38-year-old striker, a modern icon at Leicester City, ended his 13-year association with the club this summer, departing with 200 goals in 500 appearances and legendary status secured. Central to Leicester’s unforgettable 2015-16 Premier League title triumph, where he scored 24 goals, Vardy now takes his next step in Italy.

Signed on a free transfer, Vardy could make his Cremonese debut on Monday against Verona. The northern club, newly promoted to Serie A, have begun the new season impressively, stunning AC Milan in a 2-1 victory on the opening day before beating Sassuolo 3-2.

Asked about his longevity, in an interview transcribed by BBC Sport, Vardy was typically defiant: “You must be one of the doubters. You’re one that I’ll have to prove wrong. For me age is just a number. As long as my legs feel as fresh as they do, I’ll keep going and give my all for this club.”

The forward confirmed he will begin learning Italian but insisted football has “its own language” that transcends barriers. His new mission, however, feels familiar. “The main task is making sure we stay in the league,” Vardy said, recalling Leicester’s own survival battles before their extraordinary rise.

Cremonese will hope that Vardy can bring the same drive and spirit that defined his Leicester years to their own fight for Serie A survival.

GFN | Finn Entwistle