Jamie Vardy is poised to bid farewell to Leicester City this weekend, marking his 500th appearance for the club in what is expected to be his final home match at the King Power Stadium. The 38-year-old striker, widely regarded as Leicester’s greatest-ever player, will captain the team against Ipswich Town on Sunday, before likely sitting out the club’s last Premier League game at Bournemouth.

Vardy announced his decision to leave Leicester following the club’s relegation confirmation last month. A key figure in Leicester’s fairytale 2016 Premier League title triumph and their 2021 FA Cup win, Vardy expressed a desire to finish on a better note after a difficult season in the top flight, describing his personal campaign as a “total embarrassment.” He aims to score his 200th Leicester goal in his farewell home game.

Though leaving Leicester, Vardy has no plans to retire and believes he can continue competing at the highest level. Interest from Major League Soccer clubs in the United States has reportedly emerged.

Vardy’s rise from non-league football to Premier League stardom remains one of the sport’s most remarkable stories. Signed from Fleetwood Town for just £1 million in 2012, he cemented himself as an England international and was the oldest player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2019-20 season. He netted 18 goals in Leicester’s promotion-winning campaign last season and has added seven goals in the current Premier League season.

Leicester City will honor Vardy’s legendary career with pre- and post-match celebrations on Sunday. Several of his former teammates from the historic 2015-16 title-winning squad are expected to attend. Fans will receive souvenir flags to create a tribute display before kick-off, and Vardy is anticipated to address the crowd after the final whistle.