ROME (AP) — David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo came to Serie A in the twilight years of their careers.

This year, the list of big-name veterans descending on Italy was even longer than usual. It included Luka Modric (who joined AC Milan at age 39); Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli, 34); Nemanja Matic (Sassuolo, 37); Raul Albiol (Pisa, 40); and Edin Dzeko (Fiorentina, 39).

And when 38-year-old Jamie Vardy signed with promoted Cremonese on deadline day this week, the stereotype of the Italian league being known for older players was reinforced as the former Leicester striker posed next to a Stradivari violin made centuries ago in the city of his new club.

“From dream to reality: StradiVardy is here!” Cremonese said on Instagram, instantly coining Vardy’s new nickname.

While Vardy does

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