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'Yesterday my dream died'

Claudio Ranieri releases heartbreaking statement having been sacked by Leicester City months after winning title

Italian boss was harshly shown the door by club's Thai owners after struggling this campaign amid rumours of player rift

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CLAUDIO RANIERI has released a heartbreaking statement having been sacked by Leicester City months after winning title, saying his "dream had died."

Against all the odds, ex-Chelsea boss Ranieri, 65, guided the Foxes to the title despite their long 5,000-1 shots at the beginning of last season.

Claudio Ranieri pictured outside his house on Friday after being sacked
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Claudio Ranieri pictured outside his house on Friday after being sackedCredit: SWNS
The Leicester manager showed his class by posing for pictures with fans
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The Leicester manager showed his class by posing for pictures with fansCredit: SWNS
Cl;audio Ranieri has paid the price the poor form of Leicester with his job
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Cl;audio Ranieri has paid the price the poor form of Leicester with his jobCredit: PA:Press Association

But fast forward nine months and he leaves them just one point above the relegation zone with 13 matches left.

They were also dumped out of the FA Cup by Millwall, but performed well against Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League.

There were rumours of a rift between Ranieri and key stars such as Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel - but assistant boss Craig Shakespare has denied a player mutiny.

Claudio Ranieri failed to get the same out of Jamie Vardy and Co as he achieved last term
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Claudio Ranieri failed to get the same out of Jamie Vardy and Co as he achieved last termCredit: Getty Images

Today in a statement delivered through his agent, Ranieri revealed he wanted to stay. He said: "Yesterday, my dream died.

"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.

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“I wish to thank my wife 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.

"My heartfelt thanks to everybody at the club, all the players, the staff, everybody who was there and was part of what we achieved.

Ranieri was King last season, but this title-defending campaign has been a disaster with the Foxes in a relegation scrap
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Ranieri was King last season, but this title-defending campaign has been a disaster with the Foxes in a relegation scrapCredit: Reuters

“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 have achieved, and I hope you think about it and smile every day the way I always will.

"It was a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget. It's been a pleasure and an honour to be a champion with all of you.”

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