Friday’s briefing: Vardy to leave Leicester and Howe returns to Newcastle

Jamie Vardy announced he will be leaving Leicester at the end of the season and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe returned to work after recovering from pneumonia.

Friday will see the focus turn towards to the weekend’s FA Cup semi-finals, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot will give his thoughts as the Reds look to secure the Premier League title.

Jamie Vardy says goodbye to Foxes

Premier League winner Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester after 13 seasons at the end of the current campaign.

The 38-year-old former England striker – a member of the Foxes’ side which against all the odds lifted the title in 2016 – will depart in the summer in the wake of a relegation from the top-flight he has described as “such a s**t show”.

Vardy – who also won the FA Cup with the club he joined as a 25-year-old from non-league Fleetwood for £1million in May 2012 – will go with almost 500 appearances and approaching 200 goals to his name, but has insisted he will play on.

Sources close to the player have indicated Vardy is “exploring all options” – including a return to the Premier League – as he plots the way forward.

“To the fans of Leicester, I’m gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually,” Vardy said in a video message.

“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. But it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about, but I think the timing is right.”

Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose own future remains uncertain following relegation, paid tribute to Vardy’s Leicester legacy.

“Fair to say he is the best player ever to play for this football club. The most impact on all the successes that they have had over the past 13 years,” the Dutch coach said.

Howe back on the Toon

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has returned to lead the club’s battle for Champions League qualification after recovering from pneumonia.

The Magpies announced on Thursday morning the 47-year-old – who was admitted to hospital on April 11 after feeling unwell for several days and has missed the Magpies’ last three Premier League games – was back behind his desk.

“Newcastle United are delighted to confirm that Eddie Howe has returned to his duties at the club’s training centre,” a club statement read.

“Eddie had recently been hospitalised with pneumonia and has now returned to work after a period of recovery.

“We thank supporters for their warm wishes.”

Chris Wilder takes it on the chin

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder insists he has “no issue at all” with Leeds striker Patrick Bamford leading derogatory chants against him following promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds – who thrashed Stoke 6-0 – and Burnley were both promoted on Easter Monday after the Clarets beat the Blades at Turf Moor.

There were jubilant scenes outside Elland Road, with clips on social media showing Bamford start a chant with fans using offensive language to mock Wilder.

The Blades boss, though, is not one to hold a grudge.

“I am a big boy – you give it, you take it,” said Wilder, who must now pick his side up for the play-offs.

“I had a conversation with Pat yesterday and I have no issue at all with it.

“I am not sure about the words used from a fellow pro, but I appreciate and respected him giving me a call.”

Red Devils set for women’s World Sevens

Manchester United Women will take part in the inaugural World Sevens Football (W7F) series event in Portugal next month.

The Red Devils could yet be joined by Chelsea or Arsenal in the lucrative new eight-team tournament, which has a total prize pot of five million US dollars (£3.8million).

The W7F series opener takes place between May 21 and 23 in Estoril, close in proximity and date to the Champions League final in Lisbon on May 24.

Three other teams – Ajax, Bayern Munich and Benfica – were confirmed alongside United, while organisers have also not ruled out the possibility of a club from the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) taking part.

What’s on today?

Having seen their hopes of automatic promotion fade away, Sheffield United will regroup when they head to Stoke on Friday night.

All four of the FA Cup semi-finalists – Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Manchester City – are holding press conferences on Friday.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will speak to the media on Friday morning ahead of his side’s Premier League match against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday – when a point would see the Reds claim a 20th Championship title.