JAMIE VARDY let rip at his official Cremonese unveiling after a journalist dared to suggest his best days were behind him.
Now 38, Vardy’s Italian adventure kicked off with fireworks after he signed a one-year deal with the newly promoted Serie A side following his Leicester City exit.
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But the fiery forward made it crystal clear he’s not here for a retirement tour.
Speaking from the slightly odd setting of Cremona’s violin museum, where he was officially presented on Wednesday, Vardy shut down a question about his age and motivation with typical bite.
The Italian reporter quizzed: “In Italy we are a little bit sceptical about players like you approaching their 40th birthday.
“We tend to say, where’s their motivation, how fit are they?”
Vardy shot back: “You must be one of the doubters.”
“You’re one that I’ll have to prove wrong. Listen, for me, age is just a number.
“I’ve always said, as long as my legs are still doing what they used to, and they feel as fresh as they do now, I’ll carry on.
“There’s no sign of slowing down, so I’ll be giving my all for this club.”
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The former Foxes hero is currently living in northern Italy with wife Rebekah, 43, while their five kids remain in Leicester for now as visa arrangements are sorted.
And while the move has been a major life shift, Vardy says the reception in Lombardy has been “absolutely brilliant”, even likening it to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus arrival.
He explained: “When the interest came in, I had to sit down with my wife, kids and loved ones – it’s a big change.
“But the turning point was a Zoom call with the manager. We spoke for nearly an hour and just seeing the passion in his eyes – it really hit me.”
“It’s tough not being with the kids but it’s only temporary. Thanks to FaceTime, I’m still saying goodnight and chatting to them before training and school.
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“We’ve already looked at fixtures – they’re buzzing to fly out and watch.”
“My wife’s here with me and we’re both missing them but it’s not forever and they’ll be out here soon.”
Vardy’s new club have hit the ground running, sitting joint-top of Serie A after two games.
And the veteran goal machine could make his debut in style – at the San Siro this Saturday as Cremonese take on Inter Milan.
