VIDEO: Jamie Vardy pulls off insane backflip celebration as Premier League legend bags first Serie A goal for Cremonese

When Alessio Zerbin’s initial strike was parried back into the danger zone, Vardy was quickest to react, pouncing like a seasoned predator inside the box. The veteran lashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range, wheeling away in delight. What followed surprised even his own team-mates as he produced a perfect cartwheel followed by a flawless backflip. The acrobatics reminded the supporters of his early days at Leicester and proved that, even at 38, Vardy remains fit enough to handle the physical rigours of playing in the Italian top flight. Cremonese’s dream of victory, however, was cut short when Atalanta’s Marco Brescianini struck six minutes later to make it 1-1. However, the night belonged to Vardy, who showed once again that age is just a number.

Cremonese had worked tirelessly to contain a talented Atalanta side and looked set for a famous win before the late equaliser. Hence, although the goal was a personal milestone, the result left Vardy frustrated.

Speaking after the match, the striker said: "I’m over the moon to get my first goal. But taking the lead that late on, I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points. Still, it’s a step in the right direction."

Vardy shut down his critics who questioned his form and physical sharpness and added: "I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I do all the right recovery and as close to 100 per cent for each game as and when they come. If the manager wants me to play, then I’m all ready to go, and then that decision is up to the manager. I’m ready whenever. At the end of the day, football is football, we just have to make sure we’re on it 100 per cent every week. It’s 11 against 11 every week, anyone can beat anyone, so as long as we’re fully on it, we know that we can pick up points no matter who we’re playing."

After 13 unforgettable years at Leicester City, a journey that saw him score 200 goals in 500 games and lift the Premier League title, the Englishman opted for a European adventure. Now based near Lake Garda, Vardy is adjusting to his new surroundings and wants to learn Italian as quickly as possible. 

"I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week," he said. "So hopefully that will start bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!"

The former Leicester talisman has noticed the differences between the Premier League and Serie A, describing Italian football as "more tactical and possession-based".

"You get to the Premier League and it’s all high intensity, fast paced, normally end to end. Here you have more time on the ball, you need to make sure you’re in the right positions," he said. "It’s more tactical and possession based in Serie A."

Vardy's latest chapter in Italy feels like another page in a fairytale that refuses to end. Cremonese, sitting 10th in Serie A after promotion last season, view Vardy’s signing as a masterstroke. The fans have already taken him into their hearts, and with Genoa up next on Wednesday, few would bet against the Englishman adding another spectacular moment to his incredible story.