Jamie Vardy makes an amazing comeback to English football with the club whose fans once called his wife ‘a grass.’
Jamie Vardy has made a surprising move to Championship team Burnley, even though their fans once teased him about his wife when they played against each other. After scoring his 200th goal for Leicester, Vardy started a new adventure in Italy with Cremonese in Serie A. The former England player scored seven goals in all competitions and was named Serie A Player of the Month in November.
His one-year contract with Cremonese ended after the team got relegated, and rumors about his next club quickly spread. On Sunday afternoon, Burnley officially announced that Vardy, now 39, had signed with them until the end of the season. On their website, Vardy said he’s “really happy” to join Burnley, calling the club historic with “passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town.”
Vardy has scored six goals in 14 Premier League games against Burnley, and back in 2019, Burnley fans mocked him and his wife Rebekah. They sang chants about her being a “grass,” referring to a public drama involving Coleen Rooney. During that game, Vardy scored a late equalizer and responded by cupping his ears toward the Burnley fans and blowing a kiss to his wife, who was watching from the stands.
Burnley got relegated last season and have had a tough start under their new coach, Nicky Hayen. After five games, they’re at the bottom of the table with just two points. Hayen hopes Vardy’s experience will help the team climb the rankings. He said, “We’re very happy to have Jamie at Burnley. His experience and leadership will be a big help, and we believe he can make a real difference this season.”
Vardy’s new deal means he’ll be playing into his 40s, like Cristiano Ronaldo. But he knows retirement is coming and plans to focus on his family and business ventures once his body tells him it’s time. “You miss a lot during a football career,” he told SPORTbible. “When I’m finished, I want to spend quality time with my wife and kids. I’ve missed so much of their lives growing up. The kids love watching me play, which means a lot to me. I’ll keep going while my legs allow, but when they don’t, I’ll definitely retire.”