Yahoo News 'I miss you!' – Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez pay tribute to retiring Leicester City icon
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez were among the Leicester City icons to wave off Shinji Okazaki as he played his final match in professional football.
The Japan international made his last appearance before hanging up his boots this summer on Friday night, for Sint-Truiden against City’s sister club OH Leuven in the Belgian top flight. He was substituted with 50 minutes played and was given a guard of honour by both sets of players as he left the pitch.
But before the match, his 586th senior club appearance, he was played video messages from his former City and Japan colleagues. As well as fellow Premier League winners Vardy, Mahrez, and Marc Albrighton, long-time City team-mates Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, and Japan internationals Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and Yuta Nagatomo congratulated Okazaki on his 20-year career in the game.
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The striker, now 38, was the perfect foil for Vardy and Mahrez, racing around the pitch relentlessly to press defenders and connect play, allowing the two star attackers to shine in City's title-winning campaign. Here's what they had to say about their former team-mate.
Jamie Vardy: “Shinji, congrats on an absolutely unbelievable career that you’ve had. I miss you! I know we've always kept in touch but I can’t wait to see you again soon. Much love.”
Riyad Mahrez: “Shinji, I hope you are good my friend. I heard your career has come to an end. You were an amazing player and an incredible team-mate. Very professional and very funny as well. All the memories we spent together and the league we won wouldn’t be possible without you. It’s been a pleasure my friend.”
Wilfred Ndidi: “Yes, Shinji! I just want to say congratulations on your retirement. I also want to wish you the best on your next journey. Enjoy yourself, my brother! Take care of yourself.”
Marc Albrighton: “Shinji! How are you doing, mate? Congratulations on an incredible career. You’ve had such a good time in the game. Off the pitch, we’ve had some amazing times as well, a lot of good nights, a lot of funny nights. I wish you all the best in the future. I hope everything goes to plan with whatever it is you go into after. All the best and good luck.”
Kelechi Iheanacho: Hello Shinji, it’s your friend Kel. You’ve done great work for the club. I’m here to wish you all the best in the future. Enjoy, Shinji!”
