Leicester City trio urge club to make Jamie Vardy decision after striker’s ‘special’ gesture

Leicester City are where they are because of Jamie Vardy and he should be part of their Premier League team, team-mate Harry Winks has said.

Vardy is out of contract at the King Power Stadium this summer but it is understood there have been positive talks over a new deal that would keep him at the club as they return to the top flight. That would be a sensible move for Winks, the midfielder keen for City to keep as many of their Championship-winning squad together as possible.

In Winks’ eyes, Vardy made City in more ways than one. Not only has the striker been at the heart of their story for the past 10 years, but his 20 goals this term have been instrumental in their recovery.

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca keeps Will Alves close as Leicester City big decision beckons

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca addresses the future KDH in the middle City transfer request

“He just sums up this club and epitomizes Leicester,” Winks said of Vardy. “He and Marc Albrighton, they are two players who have put Leicester where they are.

“Of course (I want Vardy to stay), he is a huge player and an important player in this team. This season has been massive and has helped us get back into the Premier League and the more players from this squad that can stay the better for the club.”

Ricardo Pereira, who captained the side alongside Vardy this season, believes his experience will be integral as City prepare to return to the Premier League. At the age of 37 and with 307 top-flight appearances to his name, Vardy has knowledge to pass on.

“He is an important player with history here,” Ricardo said. “Everyone loves him. He’s an experienced player who will help the youngsters who haven’t played in the Premier League yet. It’s important to have him. So let’s see what happens.”

Ricardo ended up lifting the Championship trophy alongside Vardy and Albrighton last Saturday, with the number nine calling on his co-captains to share the experience. Vardy also handed Albrighton the armband for the last half hour of Saturday’s game, which was the club’s last outing. This gesture is a measure of the man, says Albrighton.

With Albrighton’s departure, Vardy will be the only player left from the 2016 Premier League winning team if he stays at City. Despite knowing each other for 10 years, Albrighton says Vardy hasn’t given him any hints about his future.

“Just to show the person it’s Vards,” Albrighton said when presented with the armband by Vardy. “He didn’t have to do that, but he made it special for me. Captaining this club means more than words can say.

“He (Vardy) can still bring a lot, in my opinion. I would love to see him here next year. I haven’t had any conversations with him about it and I have no idea what he’s thinking. I’d love to see him here next year, but we’ll see.”

Even if Vardy stays, do you think City need to sign a new striker this summer? Let us know in the comments section below.