Jamie Vardy ends Leicester City career with 200th goal in final appearance

Premier League legend Jamie Vardy ended his sensational 13-year Leicester City career in style when he netted his 200th goal for the club on his 500th and final appearance as the Foxes beat Ipswich Town 2-0 on Sunday. It was an emotionally charged occasion, as it should have been, at the King Power Stadium with fans commemorating a player who had journeyed from non-league to a Premier League winner, to a club legend.Vardy's landmark goal arrived in the 28th minute and was a trademark finish courtesy of an accurate cut-back from James Justin. The timing was poetic, too, falling 13 years to the day since Vardy swapped Fleetwood Town for Leicester for £1 million. The story of his rise from England's fifth tier to the top of the English game is one of football's most stirring fables.Magic was in the air at the King Power Stadium as fans unfurled banners and sang in unison in tribute to their hero. Vardy came off in the 80th minute to an honor guard from his teammates and a standing ovation from the crowd. The messages on the scoreboard read “Thank You Vards” and “Goodbye GOAT,” a reminder of his significance to the club.This season, though, Vardy was the highest scorer for Leicester despite the club's relegation with ten goals. He has scored 145 Premier League goals, making him the leading goalscorer in the club's Premier League history, and his influence at the King Power down the years has brought first a remarkable Premier League title in 2016.Also Read: Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at end of seasonVardy, 38, says he plans to continue playing but has been coy on where. He has not retired, so staying in shape could be just one one-season store window. Leicester City, meanwhile, are in transition. The future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks uncertain, and the club is in need of a rebuild after a difficult season ended in relegation despite a late revival.The end of an era for Leicester City – and Jamie Vardy’s leaving would be a vindication. His memory is ingrained in the history of the club, not just for his goals and the honours, but for projecting the spirit and invincibility of Leicester’s ascent. Vardy's influence will surely endure in the future, both in terms of the players and supporters.