Jamie Vardy has revealed he turned down offers from other clubs in favor of completing a move to Serie A side Cremonese, following his emotional exit from Leicester City.
The 38-year-old veteran striker signed a one-year contract with the newly promoted Italian outfit on deadline day.
There is reportedly also an option for to extend for an additional year if they manage to avoid relegation this season.
Vardy’s switch to Italy brings an end to a remarkable 13-year stay at Leicester, where he became a club legend after leading the Foxes to Premier League glory in 2015-16 and later lifting the FA Cup in 2021.
His exit was confirmed at the end of last season as Leicester were relegated, just one year after Vardy helped them earn promotion back into the Premier League.
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Who did Vardy reject?
Vardy had been linked with moves to Feyenoord, Wrexham AFC, and Celtic during the transfer window, but refused to name which clubs he turned down.
He also admitted that Cremonese head coach Davide Nicola was a decisive factor in his final choice.
“I don't feel like naming the clubs I rejected. I made the decision with my family, and I'm very happy,” Vardy said at his presentation.
“When we talked about this possibility, I took many factors into consideration: first and foremost, my family.
“Luckily, technology helped us. I spoke on video with the coach for about 45-60 minutes, and he instilled his passion in me. Now, I’m working to be ready when the coach needs me.”
Speaking on his move to Serie A, Vardy added: “If I think of Italy and an idol, I say Del Piero. I watched him a lot as a child.”
Cremonese have made a flying start to their return to Serie A with two wins, including causing a huge upset by beating AC Milan.
Vardy believes he sees similarities with perennial-underdogs Leicester and says he was convinced by Cremonese’s determination to defy expectations.
“I spoke to [club president] Giovanni Arvedi and Davide Nicola, and I understood that the primary objective at the start of the season is survival, just like it was at Leicester,” he added.
“During my whole career, I have been underestimated, and I worked to prove everyone wrong, and I have succeeded in doing that. The fight to beat the odds is what convinced me to join.”
Vardy could be in line to make his Serie A debut next week as Cremonese face Verona on Monday (September 15).
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