Jamie Vardy once received huge praise from Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, he ‘proved himself’

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Jamie Vardy is one of the most impressive and unique characters in the game, so much so that even Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder had to give him praise once.

Leicester City and Jamie Vardy have become synonymous with one another over the last 13 years, but that connection is now coming to an end.

Vardy will leave the Foxes this summer after deciding not to sign a new contract, and there is plenty of talk as to what his next step will be, with clubs across the EFL and around the world thought to be keen.

He’s the kind of player rival fans love to hate and hate to love, but there’s no denying his quality.

Vardy plays his final Leicester game this weekend, so we went trawling through the archives to see what others have said about the legendary striker over the years. Turns out, we found something very interesting from Chris Wilder.

• READ MORE: Leicester City can save millions on a Jamie Vardy replacement, he’s right under their nose

What Chris Wilder said about Jamie Vardy in 2020

Given Vardy’s connection to Sheffield Wednesday, it may be surprising to hear a Sheffield United manager say nice things about him.

Kicking and breaking a corner flag at Bramall Lane back in 2020 probably doesn’t help matters, but Wilder simply had to hand it to Vardy when speaking about the journey the player went on to make it to the top level.

Wilder said: “I go to the pub quite often after we’ve had a win, and it makes me smile sometimes. You’ll be sat in the company of people who will say, ‘Yeah I could’ve made it, I was a bit unlucky and had an injury and it didn’t happen.’

“They’ll be sat there watching the football on the TV in the corner of the pub saying, ‘That could’ve been me.’ Well, it wasn’t you, because you didn’t do it. Because you didn’t get off the canvas like Jamie Vardy did; he proved himself, he didn’t accept the setbacks, he kept coming back.

“[Those people] deserve the career they’ve had, not the one Jamie Vardy’s got. So shut up.”

Those comments were made back in 2020, and while things haven’t quite gone to plan for Vardy since then, with two relegations at Leicester, the striker has preserved his own reputation in the game and has proven he can still just about cut it in the top flight this year, too.

• READ MORE: Jamie Vardy snubs James Maddison and fan favourite as he names his all-time Leicester City XI

What’s next for Jamie Vardy?

Vardy has said very little about what his next move will be after leaving Leicester, but there are plenty of reports on the matter.

Wrexham were linked with Vardy immediately, but it seems that is not a move Phil Parkinson is looking to make happen this summer.

It is thought a Premier League switch is the ideal scenario, but we’re told a return to Sheffield Wednesday is not off the table for Vardy, who could end his career with his boyhood club.

Meanwhile, Wes Morgan claims Vardy could move to the MLS or Saudi Arabia and secure a big payday. But, it would be a real shame for such a talented player and interesting character to leave English football, that’s for sure.