Pictured
ON CLAUD NINE
Claudio Ranieri in tears as Roma fans sing his name in final match in charge
The former Leicester manager took over at the Stadio Olimpico on a short-term contract until the end of the season
CLAUDIO RANIERI was in tears after Roma fans sung his name during the 2-1 win over Parma in what was his final match in charge.
The former Fulham boss returned to the Stadio Olimpico for the final 12 games of the season but was unable to guide the Giallorossi to a Champions League place.
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Despite Diego Perotti's last-minute winner, Inter Milan, Atalanta and AC Milan recorded wins to finish the Rome club's slim hopes of a top-four finish.
Roma ultimately finished sixth but Ranieri's second stint in the capital reaffirmed his special rapport with fans who moved him to tears during the match.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the 67-year-old said: “I experienced some beautiful emotions tonight, but those weren’t tears in my eyes, it was the rain!
“Joking aside, it was emotional for me, especially hearing the fans and both De Rossi and I are leaving, which made it even more difficult for us to say goodbye.
I experienced some beautiful emotions tonight, but those weren’t tears in my eyes, it was the rain!
Claudio Ranieri
“I don’t know what my future will be. I feel like I’m a European Coach, I’ll go where there is an interesting project. I’ll go somewhere where they need my experience.
“I want to wish the next Roma Coach all the best, I hope he does well as I’m a fan, and that’s the important thing right now, that he does a good job.”
Roma also bade farewell to club legend Daniele De Rossi who departed the side after 18 years and 616 games following the end of his contract.
The 35-year-old was substituted inside the final 10 minutes to a standing ovation, with only Francesco Totti appearing more for Roma than the former Italy international.
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The club's decision not to offer De Rossi a new contract was met with furious protests from the fans, but a capacity crowd remained full well over full time to say goodbye.
The midfielder's former teammate Gervinho had threatened to put a downer on his farewell party when he struck a late equaliser following Lorenzo Pellegrini's opener.
However, Perotti's immediate response was enough to secure Roma the three points and a place in the Europa League second qualifying round next season.
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Claudio Ranieri fired by Fulham after three months in charge with Scott Parker installed as caretaker manager
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