Henry: Vardy An Inspiration For Anyone That Loves The Game

- Vardy scored for a Premier League record 11th game running against Manchester United on Saturday 

- Henry says Vardy is a symbol that anything is possible 

- The two-time Premier League winner hails Vardy’s desire and commitment 

After taking the Barclays Premier League goalscoring record into uncharted territory on Saturday, Jamie Vardy was hailed as an inspiration by legendary striker Thierry Henry.

The Leicester City forward’s opener in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at King Power Stadium marked the 11th consecutive Premier League fixture in which he’d found the back of the net – eclipsing the old mark of 10 set by Ruud Van Nistelrooy. 

Vardy’s scoring feats have been made all the more remarkable given the unorthodox journey he has taken to the top-flight. After being released by Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster, he plied his trade in the non-leagues until as recently as 2012 when City snapped him up from Fleetwood Town. 

And though Henry was impressed by the record run, it’s the desire and commitment that he sees in Vardy that really stands out – something he hopes can be an inspiration to young footballers. 

Speaking to Sky Sports Super Sunday he said: “[It’s great] To be able to pass the great Ruud Van Nistelrooy and doing it for Leicester. Van Nistelrooy may have had more opportunities in some games I’d say than Vardy playing for Leicester but for me let’s put the record aside. 

“It’s amazing what he’s been doing but there’s something that I would like to say about Vardy and for a lot of youngsters seeing what he’s doing. 

“For me it’s his desire, his commitment and being able to come back from where’s he come back from, it’s an inspiration for anyone that loves the game. 

“Anything is possible and he is the symbol of it. We’ve seen it in the past with the likes of Ian Wright. I don’t know if it’s because also he’s been in a situation where he had to work hard and bring his desire before anything. 

“Talent is one thing, but if you don’t have desire every single day, especially in training, you’re not going to perform. For me that’s what I think will stay with Jamie Vardy. 

“From what he’s been doing – and I’m an admirer of his work and where he’s come from – if you don’t bring your A-game every day with the right desire, I don’t care who you are, you’re not going to perform. That’s why, for me, he needs to have al the applause that he’s getting at the moment.”