Jamie Vardy is preparing for a return to English football after deciding to leave Italian side Cremonese, with the Leicester City legend still determined to play in the Premier League at the age of 39.
The former England striker is poised to become a free agent this summer following Cremonese’s relegation from Serie A, bringing an end to his brief spell in Italy after just one season.
Vardy joined the club last year after leaving Leicester following an iconic 12-year stay at the King Power Stadium.
His contract included the option of an additional season if Cremonese preserved their top-flight status, but relegation has now opened the door for the veteran forward to move on.
Despite nearing his 40th birthday, Vardy still believes he can compete at the highest level and is now weighing up his next move amid growing interest from clubs back in England.
According to the Daily Mail, several Premier League sides are exploring a possible deal, with clubs believing the experienced striker could still offer an impact role even if he is no longer a guaranteed starter every week.
Vardy impressed many observers during a difficult campaign in Italy, scoring seven goals in one of Europe’s most defensive leagues.
Jamie Vardy is preparing for a return to English football after deciding to leave Italian side Cremonese, with the Leicester City legend still determined to play in the Premier League at the age of 39
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Jamie Vardy fired Leicester to Premier League title glory back in 2016 | GETTYHis tally included a goal against Juventus as he continued to show flashes of the pace, aggression and clinical finishing that made him one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards during his peak years.
Championship and League One clubs are also monitoring the situation closely, with Sheffield Wednesday previously linked with an emotional move for the striker.
A return to Hillsborough would represent a remarkable full-circle moment given Wednesday released Vardy from their academy as a teenager before his extraordinary rise through non-league football.
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Five things to know about Jamie Vardy | PA/GB NEWSFrom Stocksbridge Park Steels, Vardy battled his way through spells at Halifax Town and Fleetwood before Leicester famously took a £1million gamble on him in 2012.
That transfer became one of the greatest bargains in English football history.
By the time Vardy departed Leicester last summer, he had made 500 appearances, scored 200 goals and helped deliver the most remarkable title triumph the Premier League has ever seen.
Alongside Leicester’s unforgettable 2016 title win, Vardy also lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield and two Championship trophies during his glittering spell with the Foxes.
He additionally earned 27 England caps and established himself as one of the most unlikely success stories in modern football.
Last summer, Vardy attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including a lucrative proposal from Dutch giants Feyenoord.
Jamie Vardy scored seven Serie A goals during his year in Italy
| GETTYInstead, he chose tVo test himself in Italy and embraced a fresh challenge abroad for the first time in his career.
Now, however, the striker appears ready for a return home as he searches for what could be one final chapter in English football.
Vardy has repeatedly insisted retirement is not yet on his mind and continues to believe his legs can still handle elite-level football.
His mentality, leadership and relentless competitive edge are all viewed as major assets by interested clubs despite his advancing years.