Jamie Vardy Scores First Goal for Cremonese in Serie A
Jamie Vardy marked his first goal for Cremonese with a trademark acrobatic celebration on Saturday night before speaking candidly about his new life in Italy, reports BritPanorama.
The 38-year-old striker, who joined the Serie A newcomers in the summer, ended his four-match wait for a debut goal during his side’s 1–1 draw with Atalanta. Vardy struck in the 78th minute at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, reacting quickest to a rebound from Alessio Zerbin’s shot and firing into the roof of the net from close range.
After scoring, Vardy sprinted towards the corner flag, delighting the home fans with a cartwheel followed by a backflip — a celebration reminiscent of his exuberant Premier League days. However, Cremonese’s lead was short-lived, as Marco Brescianini equalised for Atalanta with a well-taken volley, ensuring the points were shared.
Despite the result, Vardy’s goal and energetic performance drew rapturous applause from supporters who have quickly embraced him. Speaking to Italian media after the game, Vardy expressed his excitement about opening his account for his new club: “I’m over the moon to get my first goal. Taking the lead that late on, I’m disappointed we didn’t get the three points, but it’s a step in the right direction,” he stated.
The striker, who will turn 39 in January, remains committed to maintaining his fitness and competitive edge. “I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I recover properly, and try to be as close to 100 per cent as possible for each game. If the manager wants me to play, I’m ready to go,” he added. Vardy emphasised his belief in the team’s potential, remarking: “At the end of the day, football is football. It’s 11 against 11 every week, and anyone can beat anyone.”
Currently sitting 10th in Serie A, Cremonese’s position is noteworthy for a club that only secured promotion from Serie B last season. Vardy, who joined on a free transfer, is settling into life near Lake Garda, where he and his wife, Rebekah, have moved into a reported £2 million villa. The couple reportedly fell in love with the area while holidaying there in 2024, and their children have since joined them as the family adjusts to their new surroundings.
Despite initial scepticism surrounding his move to Italy, with some viewing it as the closing chapter of his distinguished career, Vardy has dismissed the notion that age limits his performance. “You must be one of the doubters,” he responded sharply to a reporter questioning his motivation. “For me, age is just a number. As long as my legs still feel as strong as they do, I’ll keep going.”
Cremonese will travel to Genoa on Wednesday, with Vardy looking to build on his first Italian goal and continue demonstrating that his hunger for football remains undiminished. In a sport where time can often reign supreme over talent, Vardy’s journey embedded within a new culture serves as a testament to the eternal resilience of professional players seeking to make their mark, even in the twilight of their careers.
