Claudio Ranieri issues emotional farewell statement after Leicester sacking
CLAUDIO RANIERI admits his 'dream has died' after his Leicester sacking.
Posted Saturday, February 25, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk
Claudio Ranieri has spoken out after his Leicester sacking
Leicester booted out their title-winning boss yesterday after losing faith he could keep them in the Premier League.
The decision shocked the football world - and Ranieri has now had his say.
"Yesterday my dream died," the Italian wrote in a statement.
"After the euphoria of last season and being crowned Premier League champions all I dreamt of was staying with Leicester City, the club I love, for always.
"Sadly this was not to be.
"I wish to thank my wide Rosanna and all my family for their never ending support during my time at Leicester.
"My thanks go to Paolo and Andrea who accompanied me on this wonderful journey.
"To Steve Kutner and Franco Granello for bringing me the opportunity to become a champion.
"Mostly I have to thank Leicester City football club. The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever.
"Thank you to all the journalists and the media who came with us and enjoyed reporting on the greatest story in football.
"My heartleft thanks to everybody at the club, all the players, the staff, everybody who was there and was part of what we achieved.
"But mostly to the supporters. You took me into your hearts from day one and loved me. I love you too.
"No one can ever take away what we together achieved, and I hope you think about it every day ans smile every day the way I always will.
"I was a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget.
"I'ts been a pleasure and and an honour to be a champion with all of you."
Claudio Ranieri inspired 5000/1 outsiders Leicester to the title last year
Ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was the early favourite to replace his fellow Italian, with former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, and ex-England supremo Roy Hodgson also on Leicester’s radar along with Huddersfield’s up and coming boss David Wagner.
Ranieri's former backroom team of Craig Shakespeare and Mike Stowell will take charge of the team for the visit of Liverpool on Monday.
And he has also thrown his hat into the ring for the job.
"Do I think I could do the job? Yes,” said Shakespeare. “Does it faze me? No.
"Claudio is held in respect by supporters and quite rightly so. We need them to get behind the team and all pull together.
"I can’t tell fans how they should behave. The players are very hurt and they will be disappointed like everybody else that the manger has lost his job.”
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has thanked the fans in his farewell statement
Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said yesterday when confirming Ranieri's departure: "This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City.
"But we are duty-bound to put the club's long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be.
"Claudio has brought outstanding qualities to his office. His skilful management, powers of motivation and measured approach have been reflective of the rich experience we always knew he would bring to Leicester City.
"His warmth, charm and charisma have helped transform perceptions of the club and develop its profile on a global scale.
"We will forever be grateful to him for what he has helped us to achieve."
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