Jamie Vardy Rebukes Reporter at Cremonese Unveiling, Says Age 'Just a Number'
38-year-old forward signed a one-year deal with newly promoted Serie A side and defended his fitness and motivation during a press conference at Cremona's violin museum.
Jamie Vardy sharply rejected a reporter's suggestion that his best years are behind him during his official unveiling as a Cremonese player, saying on Wednesday that "age is just a number" and he will "prove wrong" anyone who doubts him.
The 38-year-old, who joined the newly promoted Serie A club on a one-year deal after leaving Leicester City at the end of last season, was presented at an unconventional press event held at Cremona's violin museum on Sept. 10. When a journalist questioned his motivation and fitness as he approaches his 40th birthday, Vardy responded directly: "You must be one of the doubters. You're one that I'll have to prove wrong." He added that his legs "are still doing exactly what they used to" and that there were "no signs of them slowing down."
Vardy said he had felt wanted by Cremonese after a 45-minute to hour-long Zoom call with the manager, which helped convince him to move to Italy. He acknowledged the difficulty of relocating his family, saying his wife, Rebekah, 43, has moved to Lombardy with him while their five children remain in Leicester pending visas. He described regular video calls and short separations as manageable and said the children were "buzzing" at the prospect of attending matches once they join him.
Cremonese have made a positive start to the Serie A season, sitting joint top of the league after two fixtures. Vardy could be in line to make his debut at the San Siro on Saturday when Cremonese visit Inter Milan.
The forward spent 13 years at Leicester, where he became a club icon and earned 26 caps for England. His transfer to Cremonese drew significant local attention in Lombardy; Vardy said the reception in the city had been "absolutely brilliant," and some observers compared the welcome to the reception Cristiano Ronaldo received when he moved to Juventus.
The unveiling continued a trend of high-profile moves by veteran players to Italy's top flight. Vardy's comments aimed to address public skepticism about longevity in elite football, emphasizing his fitness, motivation and willingness to contribute to his new club. Cremonese officials have not indicated a timeline for his competitive debut, but the club's upcoming fixture schedule places him available for selection against Inter.
Vardy's arrival completes a brief but closely watched summer for the club as it seeks to consolidate its place in Serie A. The forward's experience and goal-scoring record will be closely observed by fans and media as the season progresses.