Claudio Ranieri sacked: Leicester chairman bragged of axing boss during £500,000 wine spree in Mayfair
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha made boast to director of another Premier League club he bumped into in exclusive Mayfair store
THE owner of Leicester City bragged he was about to sack hero manager Claudio Ranieri as he embarked on a £500,000 wine spree, The Sun can reveal.
Club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha made the extraordinary boast to a director of another Premier League club he bumped into in a posh store.
The Thai businessman — accused of ripping the soul out of soccer by axing Ranieri — was “all smiles” as he told of his shock decision.
His bill at Hedonism Wines in London’s Mayfair was double the £250,000 he spent at the same shop as a thank-you present for Ranieri for leading the Foxes to a 5,000-1 league title just nine months ago.
The jaw-dropping incident was confirmed by West Ham vice-chairman Baroness Karren Brady.
The businesswoman and Apprentice star, 47, said: “Whilst browsing the Leicester owner told him that in an hour or so news would break they had sacked Claudio Ranieri.
“He then went and settled his bill for wine and champagne, quite casually.
“I am guessing the compensation payment to his old manager is mere pocket change by comparison.
“Such a shame that the fairytale turned into a nightmare.
“At least the owner can drown his sorrows in some style.”
Another source said: “The Leicester owner looked like the cat that got the cream as he nonchalantly told another customer how he was sacking Ranieri.
“The fact he was laughing and smiling made people think he must have been joking.
“And the fact that he then thought nothing of spending up to £500,000 on booze just demonstrates that people running football clubs have no connection to the fans.
“It’s a kick in the teeth for any Leicester supporter.”
The news that Leicester — struggling in the Premier League but still in the Champions League — were firing Ranieri was made officially at 8pm on Thursday.
Dad-of-four Srivaddhanaprabha, founder of King Power Duty Free, said in a statement: “We do not have only one problem to solve, but there are a million things to do to make our club survive.”
The tycoon, who bought the club in 2010, added: “I will never let the club down.”
Just 16 days earlier Srivaddhanaprabha, 58, had vowed to back the popular Italian, 65.
Last night a spokesman for Leicester City FC chose not to comment.
A VINTAGE FOR VICHAI
By RHYS LING, Sun Wine Critic
THE shop where the Leicester chairman bought his booze haul is a favourite with wine connoisseurs such as myself.
Take its 1995 Sine Qua Non Tant Pis, a steal at £19,600.
Only 72 sets of this Californian red were ever made. It was the perfect complement to my breakfast cornflakes.
Or there’s the £12,100 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Cabernet — a cheeky 1993 vintage with notes of cherry and a peppery, dry finish.
I don’t mind telling you it got me p***ed as a fart and tasted almost as nice as the Pot Noodle I had it with.