Vardy names Italy legend as biggest inspiration: ‘He was unbelievable’

Jamie Vardy has named Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero as his biggest childhood inspiration, and has discussed his start to life with Cremonese ahead of his potential Serie A debut on Monday evening. 

Vardy, who left Leicester City after 12 years and joined Cremonese on a free transfer earlier in this summer, could potentially make his Serie A debut when Cremonese take on Hellas Verona away from home at 17.30 BST. 

Ahead of his potential debut, the former England international sat down for an interview with DAZN, who will be broadcasting the match live in the UK. 

Vardy discussed life under Cremonese head coach Davide Nicola, the challenges he is expecting to face in Serie A, and his admiration for the legendary Del Piero. 

Vardy on Nicola, Del Piero and challenges in Serie A

Vardy believes that he and Cremonese head coach Nicola are a perfect fit for each other: “The passion that he’s got for the football club and for the football itself, and how he wants to progress and wanting a team of fighters – that was me down to a tee,” he told DAZN. 

The 38-year-old does not deny the fact that he may need to make some adjustments to his game in order to fit in in Serie A: “Every week, it’s not about who you’re playing against, it’s what you do as a team and that’s what we’re just going to concentrate on. 

“They’re all going to be difficult. Everyone wants to get three points. I might have to adapt slightly, but it’s something that I’m looking forward to doing.”

Asked who his biggest childhood inspiration was, Vardy revealed: “When I was younger, it was Del Piero. You watch him play – he was unbelievable.

“Watching him score most weeks was really encouraging for me. Having watched that, me coming here and trying to do exactly the same – it’s really exciting.”

Moving abroad for the first time in his career means that Vardy has had to leave his family behind in the early stages of his Cremonese tenure: “They’re not here yet at this moment – obviously you have to go through the procedures to get visas and things like that – but they’re really looking forward to it.”

And, if there is one final message to give to the supporters ahead of his potential debut on Monday evening, Vardy said: “I’m here to fight, to score, and to help this club make its mark. Forza Cremonese.”