JAMIE’S WINNERS
Foxes skipper Morgan backs Vardy to be a big hit in Europe
EXCLISIVE JAMIE VARDY made the right choice to snub Arsenal – because he’s already playing for one of the country’s top teams.
That’s the view of Leicester City skipper Wes Morgan, who claims the England international did not have to move to the Emirates to s atisfy his ambitions.
The striker, who finished joint second in the charts alongside Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and one behind 25-goal top-scorer Harry Kane, was the subject of a £20million offer by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger last month.
But Vardy remained at the King Power Stadium, signing a new four- year deal that will ensure his best days will be played out in the east Midlands.
Threat
Morgan (below) followed suit this week, penning his own extension to 2019 as two main components of the historymaking side stayed put.
And the Jamaica international said there was no reason for the 29-year-old forward to leave.
He said: “Jamie had a fantastic season. It’s to be expected that teams are going to be interested in him.
“But he has committed himself to Leicester now and it’s great for the fans, players and the club.
“He has proved himself on the big stage and, no doubt, he can do that again because he’s much more confident now.
“He knows what he is capable of. Even on the international stage with England, he has come on and been a t hreat straightaway.
“And, at Leicester, he’s proved himself. We won the league. We are the defending champions. There’s no reason for him to leave – he’s made the right choice.”
Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri faces a new challenge this season – combining the twin priorities of defending that Premier League crown and the club’s first foray into the Champions League.
And Morgan believes Vardy is now ready to leave his mark on Europe.
He added: “Vards can do damage in the Champions League. He’s done his bit for England and done his bit for Leicester, playing against some of the world’s best last season. Now, he’s going to find it’s the same again in the Champions League, with some of the best defenders in the world. “He’s popped up with a variety of goals and I’ve no doubt he can make that transition. “I’m sure teams will do their research and know about him – he’s a household name now, isn’t he? “So, teams will know about his threat and they’ll try and nullify it. “But plenty of defenders have tried and failed so far – I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.” Meanwhile, Leicester legend Gary Lineker – who finally got his hands on the Premier League trophy as he paraded it around Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium prior to a friendly on Tuesday, said he does not expect them to repeat their heroics – but there is no reason why the club should not be near the top.
Spirit
He said: “As we stand, it’s hard to know what to expect – let’s face it, it’s impossible to repeat what they’ve just done.
“I guess they will go into the season with the same motivation as they did 12 months ago – first and foremost to stay up.
“It’s going to be really difficult because t hey’ve got t he Champions League to think
about – but I still think they can challenge for a place in Europe. The problem is, there’s still a while to go before the window closes.
“I know the intention isn’t to sell anyone else – I’m sure they didn’t intend to sell N’Golo Kante, but big clubs come calling with agents sniffing about.
“I think they have the spirit and togetherness that took them so far, they’ve got the same manager and it is largely the same group of players.
“Hopefully, the players who come in will match that enthusiasm that they had all season and, if they can do that, we will be all right.”