Jamie Vardy signs four-year extension with Leicester City, snubs Arsenal

LEICESTER, England, June 23 (UPI) -- The man who steered Leicester City's improbable run to Premier League glory is shunning Arsenal in order to stay with the Foxes.

Jamie Vardy, who scored 24 goals for the Foxes last season, rejected a move to the Gunners in order to stay with the team for four more seasons. The Gunners had activated Vardy's approximate $29.6 million release clause.

Vardy, 29, signed his last deal with the Foxes in February. He is the reigning Football Writers' Player of the Year.

"Leicester City have today (Thursday) agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international's contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years," the club said in a statement.

"Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie's future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City Football Club," the club said.

"Jamie will continue to focus all of his efforts on trying to achieve success with the England team at the European Championships in France."

"There will be no further comment from either the Club or the player on this matter until the conclusion of the tournament."

Vardy earned about $103,736 in weekly salary last season.