Vardy signs one-year Cremonese contract with option for second season

Jamie Vardy has begun a new chapter in Italy after signing for newly promoted Serie A club Cremonese on a one-year deal, with an option for a second season dependent on survival, the club confirmed this month. The 38-year-old former Leicester City striker completed the free transfer amid growing attention on the Lombardy club, which has opened the league with back-to-back wins and sits among the early leaders after victories over AC Milan and Sassuolo.

Vardy, who scored 200 goals in 500 appearances during a 13-year spell at Leicester that included the 2015-16 Premier League title, said family considerations and the enthusiasm of coach Davide Nicola were decisive in his move. At his unveiling he declined to name other clubs reportedly interested in him, saying he had turned down offers elsewhere and that he and his family made the decision together. "I spoke on video with the coach for about 45 to 60 minutes, and he instilled his passion in me," Vardy said. "For any footballer it is important to feel wanted, and that is exactly how I felt."

Asked whether age had diminished his motivation, Vardy told reporters he intended to prove doubters wrong. "You must be one of the doubters....