Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has told BT Sport that he has no regrets about turning down a move to Arsenal in the summer.
What’s been said?
The England international was at the centre of a big transfer story at the end of last season, with the Gunners keen to poach him from the King Power Stadium.
Vardy was instrumental in the Foxes’ historic Premier League title win, scoring 24 top-flight goals to help his team take the crown with a 10-point margin.
The speculation dominated the headlines, but instead of making the move to North London, Vardy penned a new long-term contract with the champions.
It was unrealistic for Leicester to sustain another title challenge this season, but not many would have predicted how far they have tumbled.
Claudio Ranieri’s men are one point above the relegation zone after winning just five of their 25 league games so far this season.
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Vardy has also struggled to replicate his 2015-16 form, scoring just six goals in all competitions.
Although, he will hope that netting his first Champions League goal in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the last-16 clash will kickstart a positive run.
Life could have been very different for Vardy had he taken up the offer to join Arsene Wenger’s side, but he maintains that he made the right decision.
When asked by BT Sport if he had any regrets about not joining Arsenal, the 30-year-old replied:
“None whatsoever.”
Was Vardy wrong to snub Arsenal?
The benefit of hindsight tells us that he should probably regret not taking up the offer of signing for the Gunners.
At the time of the interest there may have been a sense of abandonment had Vardy moved on so soon after winning the league.
It may not have put him in the best light, but on the other hand, it is not every day that a former non-league player has an opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs around.
The forward would have had to have stood out in an Arsenal team that boasts the attacking presence of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, and taking into account how Lucas Perez is struggling for minutes, Vardy may have spent most of his time on the bench.
The bottom line, though, is that Arsenal have a chance of playing Champions League football next season, while Leicester could be fighting it out in the Championship.
If that transpires, it is difficult to see Vardy attracting interest from many big clubs in the future.
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