Ruud Van Nistelrooy Hails Jamie Vardy Ahead of Potential Farewell

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy could play his final home game against Ipswich Town. Ruud van Nistelrooy praises the striker's dedication.

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy praised Jamie Vardy, saying he's “one of the greatest” ahead of his potential farewell game.

Vardy is chasing 200 goals for Leicester City when they host Ipswich Town on Sunday, a game that could mark the end of his home appearances for the club.

Vardy is one of the greatest

“When you see the amount of times a player is performing at the highest level, that's the biggest achievement. 

“When you've performed 13 seasons at this level, coming up to 500 games, 200 goals, that says it all. The standards you set yourself, you live your life around football and how you perform. 

“Then you look at the trophies he has won, the individual achievements. It's the total package for one of the greatest.”

Jamie Vardy will captain Leicester City against Ipswich Town

“Of course, he will be leading the team out on Sunday,” confirmed Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, highlighting Vardy's leadership role in the team.

“He is not focused on the future after football. This will be his last game for Leicester City but he wants to continue playing. In that sense he is committed to perform and to play. That is what I have sensed with him.”

When asked if Jamie Vardy has considered a managerial career after retirement, Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said Vardy's focus remains on performing.

“I think in the conversations we have had that wasn't a topic. I recognise from when I was playing at an older age you are focused on performing and I recognise that in Jamie as well,” Van Nistelrooy added.

Some iconic Jamie Vardy moments anyone? 😮‍💨👏

He’s set to play his last match at the King Power on Sunday against Ipswich 🥲

It’ll be his 500th game for Leicester, he’s been at the club for 13 years 🫡

They will be commemorating their GOAT with pre and post-match celebrations… pic.twitter.com/NWkKZtXZxl

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 16, 2025

“He is not focused on the future after football. This will be his last game for Leicester City but he wants to continue playing. In that sense he is committed to perform and to play. That is what I have sensed with him.”

Vardy's Mindset Unchanged

Jamie Vardy remains focused on his football, ignoring criticism and praise this season.

“Nothing different. He's preparing to win the game on Sunday, that's what he does. He's been so good over so many years because of that mindset, he's not been bothered with criticism or praise, he's thinking of performing. There's nothing different about how he is around the place,” said Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy confirmed that Jamie Vardy will play his final home game for the club against Ipswich Town, which will also mark his 500th appearance for the Foxes.

“It was clear in his announcement that he would leave Leicester and he would play his last game against Ipswich. That's what we respect,” Van Nistelrooy said, acknowledging Vardy's decision.