Jamie and Rebekah Vardy appear to have fully embraced their new life in northern Italy after the former England striker’s summer move to Cremonese – with friends saying the couple are “super happy” and relishing the slower pace of life by Lake Garda.
The 38-year-old striker ended an era at Leicester City when he left at the end of last season, opting for one final challenge with newly-promoted Cremonese.
The move has quickly become a family affair.
Rather than staying behind in England, Rebekah and the couple’s children have joined him in Italy, with the family settling into a £2million villa in the lakeside town of Salo – a short drive from Cremonese’s training ground.
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Those close to the couple say they have “thrown themselves in at the deep end” and are determined to immerse themselves in Italian culture.
“Jamie and Becky are already loving Italian life,” a source told The Sun.
“They are doing all they can to blend in seamlessly.
"The whole family is taking Italian lessons and Jamie is already au fait with some of the more colourful words.
Jamie and Rebekah Vardy appear to have fully embraced their new life in northern Italy after the former England striker’s summer move to Cremonese – with friends saying the couple are “super happy” and relishing the slower pace of life by Lake Garda
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"People thought Jamie would live there alone while Becky and the kids stayed put, but they’ve decided to make it an adventure.
"Becky fell in love with the place when they holidayed there last year – and they’ve made friends already.”
Vardy made his Serie A debut on Monday evening, coming off the bench in a 0-0 draw with Hellas Verona.
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Despite a quiet performance, he was met with a roar from the away fans and a standing ovation for his first touch, according to local paper La Provincia Cremona.
Predictably, the Verona supporters booed him as he came on – though some were spotted wearing shirts with his name.
Rebekah’s presence has also attracted attention, with 13 photographers reportedly following her every move in the stands during the game.
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Rebekah Vardy cheered husband Jamie Vardy on as he made his Serie A debut over the weekend
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The couple have been the focus of considerable media interest since arriving, with Vardy’s switch to Cremonese seen as one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer.
Vardy, however, is adamant that the move is not a farewell tour.
At his unveiling earlier this month, he bristled at suggestions that motivation might be an issue for a player approaching 40.
“You must be one of the doubters,” he told a journalist who questioned his hunger.
“You’re one that I’ll have to prove wrong. Age is just a number.
"As long as my legs are doing exactly what they used to and still feel as fresh as they do then I will carry on.
Jamie Vardy could make his debut for Cremonese this weekend
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"There are no signs of them slowing down, so I’ll keep going and give my all for this club.”
Vardy could make his first start for Cremonese this weekend against Parma at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.