Cremona, Italy (AP) – Jamie Birdie There are some similarities between his new club, Cremonese, and his former team, Leicester.
As was often the case Leicesterthe promoted Cremonase faces the challenge of rising to the top division, and there are many doubts.
Vardy said in a presentation Wednesday that he was convinced he would join the Italian club on a lengthy zoom call with Cremonese coach Davide Nicola, known as an expert on avoiding relegation.
“Looking at his eyes, seeing what he wanted, it really resonated with myself. As a footballer, I always think it’s good to feel like I want,” Vardy said. “Sitting with the manager and the owner, the main job is to make sure we stay in the league. Honestly, that’s when I was in Leicester.”
Of course, Vardy not only helped Leicester avoid relegation, but also led his team to an unlikely Premier League title in 2016. Record 11 straight game Leicester’s historic campaign is remembered as one of the great underdog stories in football history. The title ignored the preseason odds of 5,000-1.
“It’s never been, ‘We’re going to go for this.’ It’s always been ‘We need to stay in the league.’ That was the main thing,” Vardy said. “So everything you do, you go out and you take one by one. You give everything you do, what will happen to you?
Cremonese also surpassed expectations by opening with two consecutive wins. Amazing AC Milan In Sanshiro, and generate a A dramatic late victory over Sassuolo.
“It’s 11-11 and anyone can beat,” Vardy said. “So we work as hard as we can in the training field to make sure we’re ready for every game that comes out. Take it one at a time and where does it take you?”
Vialli’s No. 10
After 13 seasons at Leicester, the 38-year-old Vardy signed a one-year deal with Cremonese, with options for the second season.
He wears the number 10 shirt once used Gianluca Vialli He was able to make his debut at Gellas Verona on Monday at Cremonese.
“His story is about dreams of becoming real,” said Simone Jacquetta, sports director at Cremonese. “The dream we share.
“We’re really happy to have us with an example of how someone can be special because of their value,” Giacchetta added.
The influence of Maresca and Ranieri
Vardy said he prepared him for Serie A defensive tactics, playing for Leicester in 2023-24.
“People were saying I couldn’t adapt to it, and I finished that season with 20 goals under him,” Vardy said. “You’re not old enough to learn.”
Vardy is also pleased that Italian Claudio Ranieri, who coached Leicester in the Premier League title and is now a special Rome adviser, put a good word on him at Cremonese.
“About Ranieri’s bit,” Valdi said. “I know he’s singing my praises to his manager, so it’s better not to let him down.”
Prove the doubter wrong
Vardy got offensive when he asked if reporters might be slower if they approach 40.
“You must be one of the suspicious people. You are the one who has to prove me wrong,” Vardy returned. “Listen now, for me, age is just a number. … As long as my legs still feel as fresh as they’re doing what they’re doing, I’ll continue. At this point, there’s no indication that they’re slowing down.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
