Jamie Vardy completed his Premier League return with a goal to secure a point for Leicester City against Tottenham Hotspur and made his mark on the occasion by also taunting the visiting Spurs fans when he was substituted 11 minutes from time.
Vardy, 37, did not play a single minute of pre-season for Leicester but was called up for the Premier League opener, a 1-1 draw on Monday at the King Power Stadium. Vardy was part of the team that won the title in 2016 and returned to the top flight with Leicester after they were promoted from the Championship last season.
He scored Leicester's equaliser in the 57th minute with a well-placed header (after being photographed drinking a can of Red Bull at half-time as he left the dressing room) and was substituted in the 79th minute to a standing ovation.
As he left the pitch, Tottenham fans booed him and he appeared to provoke them further by pointing at the Premier League crest on his arm and holding up a finger, seemingly referring to the title they won in 2016. He then pointed at fans of Spurs, a club that has yet to win a Premier League title, made a zero sign with his finger and walked off.
“During the game, you get some knocks, but that's part of football,” Vardy said. “As long as they can take them when I give them back, that's all that matters.”
Vardy was also seen in a verbal altercation with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero as he left the pitch.
“I see it” [age] “I just look at it as a number. As long as I keep looking after myself and my legs feel good, I'll keep playing as long as I can physically,” Vardy said afterwards.
“I wouldn't say I'm doing anything different in terms of playing. I've probably adapted a bit by playing from time to time, but I think the most important thing is that I'm taking the utmost care of myself when it comes to my recovery. To be honest, I was in top form until I got to the 65th minute.”
