Jamie Vardy 'Makes' Controversial Decision Prior to Cremonese Debut

Jamie Vardy made a controversial decision ahead of his Serie A debut with Cremonese on Monday night.

Vardy left Leicester City at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, signing off with 200 goals in 500 appearances.

His deal with the Foxes came to an end and was not renewed after 13 years but the Premier League record-breaker made it clear he would not be hanging up his boots and attracted interest from all corners of the globe.

In the end though, the 38-year-old took the leap of moving to Italy and signing with Cremonese, who were promoted to the Italian top flight after winning the Serie B play-offs.

He penned a one-year deal, with the option of an extra year if the club manage to avoid instant relegation.

Cremonese got off to a flying start with a 2-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro and followed it up with a 3-2 victory over Sassuolo in their second game.

Vardy made his debut in a 0-0 draw away at Hellas Verona as the team's undefeated start to the campaign continued.

Wearing the No.10 shirt, the former England international came off the bench with around 30 minutes to go in the stalemate at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium.

Vardy facing huge commute to training

Vardy proved to be a hit without kicking a ball and earned the nickname 'StradiVardy' - a nod to the iconic violinist Antonio Stradivari who hails from Cremona.

However, the ex Fleetwood Town will not be living in the Cremona area - with Italian outlet Giornale di Brescia reporting that he and his family will be based in the town of Salo on Lake Garda.

Vardy made his debut on Monday evening. Image: Getty

It was reported that he considered living in the city of Brescia but ultimately opted for a more peaceful area which remains popular with holidaymakers.

Vardy and his wife Rebekah visited nearby Como in 2024, witnessing their promotion to Serie A.

But the area is not exactly local to Cremona and Vardy faces an 80km commute to training and home games, meaning Vardy will be racking up the miles in a drive which is said to be around one hour long.

Vardy is currently alone in his Italian adventure, with his other half and three still in the United Kingdom but excited for a new chapter abroad.

"They're not here yet at this moment," Vardy said, as per talkSPORT.

"You have to go through all the procedures to get visas and things like that.

"But they're really looking forward to it. A real buzz and excitement, especially with getting to learn a new language as well.

"So, as a whole, we can't wait."

In his first press conference as a Cremonese player, Vardy was asked about his motivation at this stage in his career and proceeded to fire back at a reporter who he felt was questioning him.

"You must be one of the doubters," Vardy replied.

"You're one that I'll have to prove wrong.

"For me age is just a number. As long as my legs are doing exactly what they used to and still feel as fresh as they do then I will carry on.

"At the moment there are no signs of them slowing down so I'll keep going and I will be giving my all for this club.

Cremonese are currently third in Serie A, behind only Napoli and Juventus. Vardy could make his home and full debut against Parma on Sunday at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.