Jamie Vardy has opened up about his remarkable football journey, from working in a warehouse to winning the Premier League with Leicester City. In a new documentary, the striker reflects on the highs and lows of his career, including the famous 2016 title win and his current spell at Cremonese in Serie A.
The Unlikely Rise
Vardy, now 39, describes himself as a "little freak in the works" when considering his path to the top. "It's not the common way of doing things, is it?" he said. "I don't think it will probably happen again, but it did happen for me and it was hard work." His journey began at Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he earned £120 a week while making walking frames and crutches in a warehouse.
The Premier League Triumph
The 2016 Premier League title with Leicester remains the pinnacle. Vardy credits former manager Nigel Pearson for building a close-knit squad, which Claudio Ranieri then harnessed. "We never needed to do anything, [new players] were always bang, done, right in the group," Vardy said. The team still communicates via a WhatsApp group, maintaining the bond that made their success possible.
The 'Inbetweeners' Support System
Vardy's close friends, known as the 'Inbetweeners', have been a constant throughout his career. "They're just no-nonsense," he explained. "If I've had a game, they're in the box and I walk upstairs they'll tell me straight away if I've had a good game or a shit game." This group has helped him stay grounded through the chaos.
Life After Leicester
Vardy ended his Leicester career with 200 goals in 500 appearances. He now plays for Cremonese in Serie A, though injury has limited his recent involvement. Despite his age, he plans to continue as long as his body allows. "When they say enough's enough then that is finito," he said.
No Regrets
When asked if he would do it all again, Vardy responded: "If you asked me to go and do it all again, I wouldn't!" He added that he harbours no regrets about his career, which has included both success and controversy, including a fine for using racist language in 2015 and learning the identity of his biological father.
The documentary, Untold UK: Jamie Vardy, is available on Netflix from 12 May.
