Jamie Vardy is back in the Premier League and sealed a memorable return by taunting Tottenham Hotspur fans as he prepared to leave the pitch.
The 37-year-old scored a goal in the top division again after a year in the Championship and secured a point for Leicester with his goal in the second half.
Here Telegraph Sports analyzes Vardy’s memorable return and substitution:
Red Bull gives you wings
With Leicester trailing 1-0, Vardy came out of the tunnel with a Red Bull and it seemed to work – just 12 minutes later, the striker scored his trademark goal with a header at the far post to put Leicester back in the game under new head coach Steve Cooper. It seems like a Red Bull gives you wings.
Tottenham fans incite for Premier League title
Vardy was substituted with 11 minutes left and responded to boos from travelling fans by pointing to the Premier League badge on his arm and raising a finger.
He then quickly made a zero sign and gestured back towards the Tottenham fans to compare the two clubs’ championship wins.
Leicester won the title under Claudio Ranieri in the 2015/16 season ahead of Tottenham (who finished third) and Vardy was in no mood to let them forget it.
Vardy also appeared to confront Tottenham defender Cristian Romero as he left the pitch, with a rude gesture hidden behind the Argentine’s back.
“During the game you take a bit of punishment but that’s part of football,” said Vardy. “As long as they can take it when I hit it back, that’s all that matters.”
After his exchange with the Tottenham fans, Vardy again expressed his admiration to the Leicester fans, who gave him a standing ovation, before exchanging words with teammate Abdul Fatawu before finally leaving the field.
Age is just a number
Vardy turns 38 in January and signed a new contract in the summer to continue his fairytale career at the King Power Stadium.
After dutifully shaking hands with the entire Tottenham bench after the game, the Leicester striker was keen to remind his doubters not to judge him by his age.
“For me, age is just a number. As long as I take care of myself and my legs continue to feel good, I will continue as long as I am physically able,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say that I’m doing anything differently in terms of playing. I’ve probably adapted a bit because of my appearances, but I think the most important thing is that I take as good care of myself as possible in terms of recovery.
“I was in top shape until the 65th minute, to be honest!”
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