Rejecting a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal was an easy decision for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy because he has “unfinished business” with the champions.
The 29-year-old, who scored 24 league goals to help Leicester win the title last season, spurned the advances of Arsenal, after the north London club had triggered a release clause in his contract, in favour of extending his stay with the Foxes.
“It’s not been put out there that I have always said the boys, the close-knit brotherhood, is unbelievable and for me, there’s a lot of unfinished business here,” Vardy told Sky Sports.
“I feel that the club is only going one way and that is forward, that’s why I want to be a part of it. It wasn’t that big (the decision) when I think about it. It was quite easy and this is where I want to be.”
Claudio Ranieri’s men, who lost 4-0 to Paris St Germain in the International Champions Cup in Los Angeles on Saturday, start their title defence with a trip to promoted Hull City on Aug. 13.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph has signed a new four-year contract with West Ham United, the Premier League club said yesterday.
The 29-year-old Ireland international, who joined West Ham on a free transfer in 2015, made 15 starts in all competition last season but is usually second choice behind Spaniard Adrian for manager Slaven Bilic.
“I spoke to the manager and I know we both have the opportunity to work towards that No. 1 position, which was part of the reason I was happy to sign a new contract,” Randolph told the club’s website (www.whufc.com).
“It is good to know I have the manager’s backing and it certainly helps my confidence to know he believes in what I can do.”
Full back Aaron Cresswell and midfielder Michail Antonio have also recently committed their long-term futures to the London club.
The Hammers, who secured a Europa League spot for the second successive year after finishing seventh last season, open their 2016-17 campaign against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Aug. 13.