Jamie Vardy marked his first goal for Cremonese with a trademark acrobatic celebration on Saturday night before speaking candidly about his new life in Italy.
The 38-year-old striker, who joined the Serie A newcomers in the summer, ended his four-match wait for a debut goal during his side’s 1–1 draw with Atalanta.
The former Leicester City forward struck in the 78th minute at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, reacting quickest to a rebound from Alessio Zerbin’s shot and firing into the roof of the net from close range.
Vardy sprinted towards the corner flag and delighted the home fans with a cartwheel followed by a backflip — a celebration that echoed his exuberant Premier League days.
Cremonese’s lead was short-lived, however, as Marco Brescianini equalised for Atalanta with a well-taken volley to ensure the points were shared.
Despite the result, Vardy’s goal and energy drew rapturous applause from supporters who have quickly taken him to heart.
Speaking to Italian media after the game, Vardy said he was thrilled to open his account for his new club.
Jamie Vardy marked his first goal for Cremonese with a trademark acrobatic celebration on Saturday night before speaking candidly about his new life in Italy
|GETTY
“I’m over the moon to get my first goal,” he said. “Taking the lead that late on, I’m disappointed we didn’t get the three points, but it’s a step in the right direction.
“I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I recover properly, and try to be as close to 100 per cent as possible for each game. If the manager wants me to play, I’m ready to go.”
The striker, who turns 39 in January, said he remains fully committed to maintaining his fitness and competitive edge.
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Jamie Vardy's goal wasn't enough for Cremonese in their match against Atalanta
|GETTYlanta
“At the end of the day, football is football. It’s 11 against 11 every week, and anyone can beat anyone,” he stated.
“As long as we’re switched on, we know we can take points off anyone.”
The result leaves Cremonese 10th in Serie A — an impressive position for a club that only won promotion from Serie B last season.
Vardy, who joined on a free transfer, has been settling into life near Lake Garda, where he and wife Rebekah have moved into a reported £2million villa in Salo, around 80 kilometres from the club’s training base.
The couple were said to have fallen in love with the region while holidaying there in 2024.
Their children have since joined them in Italy as the family adjusts to their new surroundings. Vardy admitted he is still finding his feet with the language.
Jamie Vardy lives in Italy with wife Rebekah
| GETTY“I only know the basics — good morning, thank you, numbers — but I’ll be taking lessons next week,” he said with a smile.
“I’ve got to learn quickly because my kids are learning, and I can’t have them speaking better Italian than me.”
Vardy’s move to Cremonese initially drew scepticism in Italy, with some viewing it as a final chapter to a distinguished career.
Jamie Vardy established himself as a Leicester legend during his time at the King Power Stadium | PAThe former England international, however, has been quick to dismiss that notion.
During his unveiling, he responded sharply to a reporter who questioned his motivation at his age. “You must be one of the doubters,” he said.
“You’re one that I’ll have to prove wrong. For me, age is just a number. As long as my legs still feel as strong as they do, I’ll keep going. There are no signs of them slowing down, so I’ll continue giving everything for this club.”
Cremonese will travel to Genoa on Wednesday as Vardy looks to build on his first Italian goal and continue proving that his hunger for football remains undiminished.