Jamie Vardy’s time at Leicester City officially comes to a close today as his contract expires, marking the end of an era at the King Power Stadium.
Goalkeepers Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen’s contracts with the Foxes will also end today.
The trio are the only three senior City players out of contract on July 1, with Vardy electing to go after 13 mostly-glory years and neither of the two shot-stoppers being handed new contracts.
Their exits came just days after Ruud van Nistelrooy left as manager.
Vardy signed off in style, scoring his 200th goal in his 500th appearance for City, and will be remembered as a great, having won the Premier League and FA Cup with the club.
Vardy said in a video message broadcast by the club after his decision to leave: “To the Leicester fans: I’m gutted that this day is coming.
“But I knew it was going to happen someday. After 13 incredible years at this club, with tons of success, some lows but more highs, it’s finally time to call it quits, which I’m devastated about.
“I’d like to genuinely thank you all for accepting me as one of your own. Leicester will always have a special place in my heart, and I will make it a point to follow the club in the years ahead, hoping for continued success.”
Ward leaves Liverpool seven years after moving for £12 million.
He served as Kasper Schmeichel’s deputy for four years until taking over as number one in 2022–23.
However, he was unable to reproduce the form he had shown in his cup appearances and was replaced by Iversen for the final three games of the season.
Ward’s 52nd and final appearance came in a 3-0 loss to Wolves last December, when he made a couple of blunders that drew boos from the home crowd before being replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Iversen leaves the club after nine and a half years, starting in the development squad as a teenager in January 2016.
After good loan periods at Oldham, Rotherham, and Deepdale, he fought his way into City’s first-team squad, but he only had one term as first-choice goalkeeper, taking over from Ward for the final few games of the 22-23 season, bringing his total appearances to 17.
Despite some decent performances, particularly at home to Everton, he was unable to assist City stay in the Premier League.
Iversen’s free transfer to Preston North End has already been announced, and he may face City next season.
The club claimed that “all three leave with the heartfelt thanks of everybody at Leicester City for their contributions during their time at King Power Stadium, as well as our best wishes for the next chapters in their careers” .