Vardy settles into Cremonese as Italian lessons begin

Jamie Vardy has begun Italian lessons as he settles into life abroad after agreeing to join Cremonese, newly promoted to Serie A, from Leicester City. The 38-year-old striker made his Cremonese debut as a second-half substitute in a 0-0 draw with Hellas Verona on Monday.

Vardy moved with wife Rebekah to northern Italy near Lake Garda, with their three children expected to join in the coming weeks. The couple reportedly settled in a £2 million villa in Salò, about 80 kilometres from Cremonese's training ground, and both are learning Italian to blend in. They have spoken in public about falling in love with the area during a holiday last summer.

Rebekah was among a crowd of photographers at the Verona match, with local observers noting a high-profile presence around Cremonese's debut. La Provincia Cremona described a roar when Vardy came on and a standing ovation for his first touch, even as Verona fans booed his substitution. Some supporters wore Vardy shirts as the spotlight followed the Englishman through his first appearance for Cremonese on Italian soil.

On his unveiling and in interviews since, Vardy has rejected the notion that his career is winding down. "You must be one of the doubters," he told a journalist. "You're one that I'll have to prove wrong. No, listen, for me age is just a number. As long as, I've always said it, my legs are still doing exactly what they used to and still feel as fresh as they do then I will carry on. At the moment there are no signs of them slowing down so I'll keep going and like I say I will be giving my all for this club."

Cremonese have not ruled out giving him a chance to start in the near term. With his first-team integration underway, the club are eyeing a potential start this Sunday when Cremonese host Parma Calcio at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.