Leicester City trio urge club to take Jamie Vardy decision after striker's 'special' gesture
Leicester City are where they are because of Jamie Vardy and he should be a part of their Premier League squad, team-mate Harry Winks has said.
Vardy is out of contract at the King Power Stadium this summer but it’s understood that positive talks have been held over a new deal which would keep him at the club as they return to the top flight. That would be a sensible move as far as Winks is concerned, with the midfielder keen for City to keep as many of the Championship-winning squad together as possible.
In Winks’ eyes, Vardy has made City in more ways than one. Not only is the striker at the heart of their story of the past 10 years, but his 20 goals this term were integral to taking them back up.
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“He just sums up this club and epitomises Leicester,” Winks said of Vardy. “Him and Marc Albrighton, they’re two players who put Leicester where they are.
“Of course (I want Vardy to stay), he’s a massive player and he's an important player in this team. This season he’s been massive and helped us get back to the Premier League and the more players from this team that can stay, the better for the club.”
Ricardo Pereira, who captained the team alongside Vardy this season, feels his experience will be integral as City prepare to return to the Premier League. At 37 years of age, and with 307 top-flight appearances to his name, Vardy has know-how he can pass on.
“He’s an important player with history here," Ricardo said. "Everybody loves him. He’s an experienced player who will help the young lads who haven’t played in the Premier League yet. It’s important to have him. So let’s see what happens.”
Ricardo got to lift the Championship trophy with Vardy and Albrighton last Saturday, the number nine calling his co-captains over to share the experience. Vardy also gave Albrighton the armband for the final half-hour of Saturday's game, which was the winger's last for the club. That gesture is a measure of the man, Albrighton says.
Given Albrighton's departure, Vardy will be the only remaining player from the Premier League-winning squad of 2016 if he stays at City. Despite knowing each other for 10 years, Albrighton says Vardy's not given him any clues over his future.
“It just goes to show the person that Vards is," Albrighton said on being handed the armband by Vardy. "He didn’t have to do that but he made it special for me. To captain this club means more than I can say in words.
“He (Vardy) can still bring plenty in my opinion. I’d love to see him here next year. I’ve had no conversations with him about it, and I’ve no idea what he is thinking. I’d love to see him here next year, but we will see.”