Jamie Vardy's Italian escapades are a far cry from Leicester City's humble East Midlands home, but for the Foxes faithful, it's a pilgrimage worth taking. The 39-year-old striker has been a thorn in the side of Serie A strugglers Cremonese since his summer move, netting five goals in 18 games and earning himself the player of the month award for December.
The Foxes have been to Cremona en masse to pay tribute to their beloved legend. Well-wishers from as far afield as Bergamo donned Leicester shirts and brandished flags emblazoned with "Thank you Vards" in the hope that Vardy's success would rub off on their own beleaguered club.
For Vardy, a move to Cremonese represents more than just a change of scenery. It's an opportunity to reinvigorate his game, adapting to Serie A's fast-paced tempo and making intelligent runs behind the opposition's defense. The Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson believes that Vardy's newfound sense of self-awareness has been instrumental in his success: "He is, for the most part, someone at one with himself now and has hopefully grown to like himself."
The Italian league has not been without its challenges for Vardy, though, including a recent burglary in Lake Garda. Nevertheless, he and his partner Becky seem to be adapting well to life in Cremonese.
With Vardy's contract set to expire this summer, speculation will inevitably surround his future. Will he return to the Premier League, or will he opt for a new challenge elsewhere? The Foxes faithful can only hope that their legendary striker brings inspiration back with him โ and perhaps even a few tricks up his sleeve to rub it in his former employers.
For now, Vardy is content to bask in the adoration of Cremonese fans and finish what he's started. Pearson, for one, has already extended an olive branch: "Good luck to the lovable rogue," he quips. "I have told him I may pop by his gaff, if invited, on my next road trip in Europe." Vardy's own adventure shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The Foxes have been to Cremona en masse to pay tribute to their beloved legend. Well-wishers from as far afield as Bergamo donned Leicester shirts and brandished flags emblazoned with "Thank you Vards" in the hope that Vardy's success would rub off on their own beleaguered club.
For Vardy, a move to Cremonese represents more than just a change of scenery. It's an opportunity to reinvigorate his game, adapting to Serie A's fast-paced tempo and making intelligent runs behind the opposition's defense. The Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson believes that Vardy's newfound sense of self-awareness has been instrumental in his success: "He is, for the most part, someone at one with himself now and has hopefully grown to like himself."
The Italian league has not been without its challenges for Vardy, though, including a recent burglary in Lake Garda. Nevertheless, he and his partner Becky seem to be adapting well to life in Cremonese.
With Vardy's contract set to expire this summer, speculation will inevitably surround his future. Will he return to the Premier League, or will he opt for a new challenge elsewhere? The Foxes faithful can only hope that their legendary striker brings inspiration back with him โ and perhaps even a few tricks up his sleeve to rub it in his former employers.
For now, Vardy is content to bask in the adoration of Cremonese fans and finish what he's started. Pearson, for one, has already extended an olive branch: "Good luck to the lovable rogue," he quips. "I have told him I may pop by his gaff, if invited, on my next road trip in Europe." Vardy's own adventure shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.