''A remarkable story'', Van Nistelrooy pays tribute to Vardy | OneFootball

Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has praised departing striker Jamie Vardy.

The Foxes star announced his departure from the club after 13 successful years that has seen him score 198 goals in 498 appearances.

"It’s a remarkable story, the story of his professional football career and the 13 years within Leicester City Football Club and how that went through the highs and the lows that were in there," van Nistelrooy said about the former England international.

"He’s also been in the Champions League, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. He’s really been through all of it and with the impact that he had on games, and especially with his personality, of course, you don’t see many more like that.

"I think it’s fair to say he is the best player ever to play for this Club and had the most impact with all the successes the Club had over the last 13 years. He is four games away from 500 games for the Club and two goals away from 200 for the Club, so those figures say a lot. And then when you put the silverware next to it, you have the complete picture.

"He is the person and player that he is and deserves all the honour and credit because of his performances. Nearly 500 games, nearly 200 goals, all the silverware and the personality he’s got – he’s obviously fearless with capital letters. He’s always in for a nice [reception] and getting things going in home and away stadiums. That’s always fuelled him to perform the best he can be.

"Playing for England as well, of course, playing for his country with the career where it started for him at that age, getting to the highest level. If it will [happen again] in the future, it will be compared to Jamie, but it’s unlikely."

Vardy leaves the club with his side relegated back to the Championship for the next season after having scored seven goals in the Premier League this year.