Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said outgoing Leicester forward Jamie Vardy is ‘one of the best number nines of the last 25 years’.
Vardy announced on Thursday that he will be leaving Leicester City at the end of the campaign, concluding 13 decorated years with the Foxes.
Iconic. Legendary. Unforgettable. Jamie Vardy 💙@LCFC pic.twitter.com/sZZYyvFsmH
— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) April 24, 2025
The 38-year-old has scored 198 goals in 495 games for Leicester, during a period that has included Premier League title success, a maiden FA Cup win, and a Premier League Golden Boot.
Maresca worked with Vardy during his time in charge of Leicester last season. Together, the duo helped the Foxes win promotion back into the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Everton this weekend, Maresca said he was ‘proud’ to have worked alongside the Leicester legend. He called Vardy one of the best centre-forwards of the last 25 years – anywhere in world football.
“I feel very proud to share part of my journey with Jamie and Leicester,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.
“I always consider him one of the best nines in the last 20-25 years, not only in England but everywhere.
“With us he was fantastic, bought into the way we want to play, which was something new. He changed completely, open mind, fantastic.
“He will 100% be a loss for football. There is no doubt that he’s a legend.”
Vardy is understood to remain undecided on his future. Despite links to Major League Soccer, the veteran forward wants to continue playing at the highest level possible. He has not ruled out a move to a Premier League club, following Leicester’s relegation from the top flight this season.
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