Jamie Vardy Has Already Been Given Nickname at Cremonese Before Making Debut
Jamie Vardy hasn't made an appearance for his new club yet but the fans of Cremonese have already honoured him with a new nickname.
Vardy left Leicester City in May after 13 years, having scored 145 Premier League goals and led the Foxes to a league title, an FA Cup win and three qualifications for European football.
Leicester were relegated from the top division in Vardy's last season and his fingerprints are still everywhere at the King Power Stadium.
Stroll around the ground on a matchday and every other Leicester shirt you'll find has a number 9 on the back of it.
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His former club are a long way from continental football now but the 38-year-old eventually found his way to mainland Europe, signing for newly promoted Serie A side Cremonese as a free agent on transfer deadline day.
Vardy had been linked with clubs all over the world after announcing his Leicester departure, with interest reported in England, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Cremona is the home of legendary violin-maker Antonio Stradivari, which might not have been a factor in Vardy's decision but did form the foundation of a terrific nickname for the city's new goal artist.
The former England international was unveiled at Cremona's Violin Museum and his new moniker was already bouncing around social media. Welcome to the city of music, StradiVardy.
"I spoke to [Cremona president Cavaliere Giovanni] Arvedi and [head coach] Davide Nicola and I understood that the primary objective at the start of the season is survival," said Vardy at the famous museum, via The Guardian.
"Clearly, match after match we give 100%. In football anyone can beat anyone, that is what we train for.
"During my whole career I have been underestimated and I worked to prove everyone wrong, and I have succeeded in doing that. I get that at the start of the season almost no one believed that Cremonese would survive. The coach, however, with his work ethic, wants to avoid relegation at all costs."
Vardy certainly hasn't lost any of his fire and clearly felt he was still being underestimated when he was asked by a reporter whether he still has the motivation to perform at the highest level.
StradiVardy plays the hits
"You must be one of the doubters. You're one that I'll have to prove wrong," answered the ex-Leicester striker.
"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."
Topics: Serie A, Football, Jamie Vardy
Chris Nee