One of the biggest stories of inspiration in the world of football recently has been the story of one Jamie Vardy.
From playing in a relatively unknown third tier team a few years ago, the England international is now the most talked about player in the Premier League after his heroics that helped Leicester City achieve something that many can only dream of.
The 29-year old scored 24 goals for the Foxes last term as he thrashed his way to a place in the EURO16 England squad under Roy Hodgson.
His exploits last season has seen many a Premier League club linked with him for a move in the summer. London club Arsenal seemed to have taken a big step in his pursuit but somehow the talks broke down and though they triggered his £22m release clause, Vardy was going nowhere.
And it is now understood that the Leicester City striker has turned down offers from all the clubs to stay at the King Power after he agreed to sign a new 4-year contract with the club.
This news came just days after Vardy vowed to focus on his national duty and this has left the Football Association un-impressed.
Vardy signed a deal with the club just in February this year, but the new contract that ties him to the club till 2020 will see his weekly wage rise from £70,000 to nearer £100,000.
“Leicester City have today agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international’s contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years,” the club said in a statement.
“Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long-term commitment to Leicester City Football Club,” they added.
The PFA Player of the year for the previous season, Jamie Vardy will sign the new contract once he comes back from the EUROs in France.
“Jamie will continue to focus all of his efforts on trying to achieve success with the England team at the European Championships in France. There will be no further comment from either the Club or the player on this matter until the conclusion of the tournament,” the statement from the club read.
This news will come as a great relief for manager Claudio Ranieri who will hope to keep the core of the side that won him the title at the club for another year.
He will now hope that Vardy will convince the likes of N Golo’ Kante and Riyad Mahrez to stay at the club for another season.
Do you think Leicester City can repeat the performances from last season?