Forgotten Chelsea star sends Jamie Vardy emotional message after Leicester City announcement

Ben Chilwell has wished former teammate, Jamie Vardy, good luck after announcing his departure from Leicester City. The 38-year-old striker will depart the Foxes when his contract at the King Power Stadium expires at the end of the season.

Vardy, who cost Leicester City just £1million when they signed him from Fleetwood Town, in May 2012, promptly established himself as one of the most lethal frontmen in Premier League history, scoring 143 goals and providing 48 assists in 338 appearances - and counting.

He famously fired the Foxes to English top-flight glory in 2016 before getting his hands on the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2021. Across all competitions, Vardy faced Chelsea more than any other club over his professional career, meeting 23 times.

The 26-cap England international didn't have a great record against the Blues - scoring only four goals - but it was Thomas Tuchel's side who Leicester City defeated at Wembley Stadium to win the world's oldest national football competition.

Meanwhile, Vardy enjoyed plenty of success against Arsenal, finding the net 11 times in 18 games. He managed to score only as many against Watford during his professional career.

Nevertheless, after announcing his departure from the King Power Stadium, Chilwell wished him good luck. Via his Instagram story, the Chelsea full-back, currently on loan at Crystal Palace said: "So many good times together. Good luck with your next chapter big bro."

Meanwhile, in a video posted across his social media channel, Vardy admitted that he was "gutted" to be leaving. He said: "I've had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some downs, but a majority, all highs.

"But it's finally time to call it a day, which I'm devastated about, but I think the timing is right.

"I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own.

"Leicester will always, always have a massive place in my heart - and I'll make sure that I will be following for the years to come and what I hope will be even more successful for the club. But as for now, this is my goodbye, but you will see me again soon, I promise. Thank you."

Leicester were relegated from the Premier League last weekend, which Vardy described as "such a s*** show". On Instagram, he said: "At this point, I don’t even know what to say.

"No words I have can ever express my feelings of anger and sadness with the way this season has gone. There are no excuses. Collectively, as players and as a club, we failed.

"There is simply no hiding, and I refuse to entertain any suggestion of doing so.

"Having been at this club for so long, we've experienced so many highs and successes - and this season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment.

"It hurts, and I know you're feeling it too. To the fans: I'm sorry. Sorry we haven't performed, and sorry we end the 2025 season with such a s*** show."

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