Jamie Vardy cites Alessandro Del Piero as childhood idol as he prepares for Cremonese debut; wife Rebekah delayed by visa
The 38-year-old former Leicester striker says Del Piero inspired his move to Serie A and that his family will join him in Italy once paperwork is complete
Jamie Vardy said he modelled parts of his game on Alessandro Del Piero and expects to bring that spirit to newly promoted Cremonese as he prepares for a potential debut in Serie A.
The 38-year-old former Leicester City striker, who signed a one-year deal with an option for a further year with the Lombardy club, said Del Piero was his boyhood hero and that the Juventus great’s longevity offered a blueprint for Vardy’s own late-career move.
"When I was younger, it was Del Piero," Vardy said. "You watch him play – he was unbelievable. Watching him score most weeks was really encouraging for me. Having watched that, me coming here and trying to do exactly the same - it’s really exciting." Del Piero starred for Juventus in more than 500 games and scored 208 goals, and he played at top levels into his late 30s.
Vardy said his wife, Rebekah, and their children — Megan, 20; Taylor, 15; Sofia, 14; Finley, 8; and Olivia, 6 — will join him in Italy once visa formalities are completed. Rebekah accompanied him for the contract signing but has returned home while the couple finalises the paperwork.
"They’re not here yet at this moment — obviously you have to go through the procedures to get visas and things like that — but they’re really looking forward to it," Vardy said. "It is a real buzz and excitement, especially with getting to learn a new language as well. Once I made my decision, that was it. I was coming here. I’m settling in really well and just can’t wait to get going now."
Cremonese, who began the season with two wins from two, travel to Verona on Monday, where Vardy could make his first appearance. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN. Vardy said he is focused on team performance and on seizing opportunities when selected.
"It’s all about match days and wanting to pick the results up, so now it’s about just knuckling down when I get given the opportunity, helping my teammates out as much as I can and hopefully chipping in with some goals," he added.
Vardy said a conversation with Cremonese manager Davide Nicola helped persuade him to move to Serie A. He cited Nicola’s emphasis on passion, collective effort and a team of fighters as aligning with his own approach to the game.
During 13 years at Leicester, Vardy made 500 appearances and scored 200 goals, helping the Foxes win their first Premier League title and their first FA Cup and earning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2020. Cremonese have signed Vardy with the aim of adding experience and goals as they seek to remain in Italy’s top flight.
Fans greeted Vardy enthusiastically after his arrival; he notably signed the leg of a supporter who had a tattoo of the forward. Vardy’s early performances in training and in competition will be watched closely as Cremonese attempt to translate their unbeaten start into sustained results in a competitive Serie A season.