Jamie Vardy, a true Leicester legend, has seemingly completed every achievement except perhaps getting a statue, as he concluded his remarkable 13-year journey with the club.
In a fitting end, the 38-year-old delivered a brilliant performance, netting his 200th goal for Leicester in his 500th game, exactly 13 years after his arrival from Fleetwood Town.
What a perfectly timed, blue-ribboned farewell!
Before his goal, Vardy had missed a couple of opportunities. The breakthrough came when James Justin broke through the Ipswich defense and delivered a perfectly timed pass.
As Vardy sprinted clear, there was little doubt about the outcome – give him a chance, and he`s likely to score.
The seasoned striker wasn`t going to miss this opportunity on such a significant day.
True to form, he calmly slotted the ball past Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer, sending the King Power Stadium crowd into raptures for his final goal celebration.
Credit: Reuters
Credit: PA
Credit: Reuters
Leicester extended their lead in the second half when Kasey McAteer scored the second goal.
With ten minutes remaining, Vardy was substituted for Patson Daka as part of a double change.
Amidst chants of his name, Vardy walked off, with every Leicester player forming a guard of honor at the halfway line to salute him.
`Thank You Vards` appeared on the scoreboards as the veteran striker took his place on the bench.
Credit: Getty
Mission accomplished, as he so often did.
From his arrival to his final wave goodbye down the tunnel as a Fox, the day belonged to Jamie Vardy.
Most fans wore shirts bearing `Vardy 9` or `Legend 9`.
Dozens of flag-bearers waved banners featuring Vardy`s name and image as he led the team out.
The scoreboard displayed `Goodbye GOAT,` and home fans held banners saying `Thank You Vards`.
Ipswich Town, managed by Kieran McKenna, seemed unaware of the script and aimed to spoil the celebratory atmosphere.
However, they lacked a finisher of Vardy`s caliber.
Ipswich controlled the initial 20 minutes, and the veteran striker had to wait for his first involvement.
Credit: PA
Julio Enciso set up Leif Davis on the left; Davis`s initial shot was blocked by Coady, but his rebound effort was stronger.
His powerful shot beat Jakub Stolarczyk but hit the inside of the post and stayed out.
Sam Morsy shot over, and Enciso missed another chance before the stadium erupted after 20 minutes when Vardy had his first real opportunity.
Jordan Ayew played a through ball to the veteran, sending him sprinting towards goal, instantly bringing the King Power crowd to their feet roaring encouragement.
On this occasion, however, Davis matched Vardy`s pace, tracking back to force him wide, resulting in the striker`s shot going off target.
The legendary striker came close again moments later, hitting the side netting after a well-executed free-kick routine where he turned past Morsy.
Vardy was sensing a goal, getting closer with each attempt.
And the fairytale ending was secured after 28 minutes when he finally found the net.
Justin was instrumental in the goal, pressing Jack Clarke effectively until he lost his footing, allowing the full-back to seize the ball and drive forward past two Ipswich players.
Vardy burst into a run, and Justin`s pass was perfectly weighted, rolling the ball into his path.
The prolific striker demonstrated his clinical finishing, holding off his defender and expertly guiding the ball past Palmer into the goal.
He then celebrated in front of the stunned Ipswich supporters, pulling the corner flag from its base and raising it high above his head like a triumphant warrior.
It was the only hint of fatigue the 38-year-old showed on his monumental day.
It will be interesting to see if a Premier League manager offers him the chance to play another season, as he desires.
Based on his performance this season, where he finished as Leicester`s top scorer with 10 goals for a struggling, relegated side, he arguably deserves another season at the top level.
Leicester`s second goal was scored by McAteer, who received a pass from Wilfred Ndidi and struck the ball powerfully past Palmer at the near post.
Ndidi was also substituted late on, receiving applause from the fans in what was also his final appearance for Leicester.
Ndidi contributed significantly, assisting the 23-year-old McAteer for his maiden Premier League goal.
McAteer would need another 144 Premier League goals to equal Vardy`s total.
Good luck with that, young man!
Marcus Bellamy