Rhinos have not had a competitive team for four years but with Vardy’s involvement, the club plans to field a team again in 2022.

Rochester, formed in 1996, have not competed at any level for four years, but they have won the national championships four times and are the only non-MLS team to have won the US Open Cup.

Reports from Skysports, states that, Former England international Vardy has bought a minority stake in the New York state-based side but has no plans to retire from playing.

The Dworkin family who have owned the Rhinos since 2016 have been in negotiations with Vardy and his representatives for more than two years. Skysports reports.

Vardy’s main plan is to try to recreate some of the success he managed with his “V9 Academy” in England, which gave a second chance to non-League players who Vardy felt were good enough to play in professional football.

“I’m really excited to be part of the Rhinos,” Vardy said.

The club has been through some difficult years recently, so I can’t wait to play a part in helping to turn things around. It won’t be easy, but I never do anything the easy way!

“I’ve been looking at opportunities in the United States for a while, but there was something about Rochester and the Rhinos that just felt right. Vardy via Twitter

I’d like to thank everyone that’s helped me get to this point but a special thank you goes to my new co-owners, David & Wendy Dworkin.

I also can’t thank @LCFC enough for allowing me to do this, they know, and I know, that this project will not in any way distract me from my priority, which is helping Leicester to be successful for many more years to come.

Lets do this #Rochester

“This is a huge coup for Rochester and the Rhinos,” David Dworkin said.

“Jamie Vardy is known throughout the soccer world because of his success and his inspirational story, and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us as a co-owner.

“Aside from the experience, knowledge, and profile that Jamie will bring to our club, one of the things that has really shone through during our discussions with him is how incredibly passionate he is about this project.

“Jamie absolutely shares our desire to give Rochester a successful soccer team again.” Co-owner David Dworkin said.