Ranieri admits his ‘dream died’ after being sacked

Claudio Ranieri has said his “dream died” when Leicester sacked him.

The Italian led the Foxes to a shock Premier League title last season but was axed on Thursday with the club a point above the relegation zone.

Leicester have lost their last five league games and are yet to score in the top flight in 2017 ahead of Monday’s visit of Liverpool.

“Yesterday my dream died,” he said in a statement released to Press Association Sport.

“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. He added: “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. But mostly to the supporters.

“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.”

The last weeks of Ranieri’s reign were dogged by rumours of dressing room unrest but caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare has rejected he lost the players.

Reports had suggested some players had spoken to the club’s Thai owners to voice their concerns over Ranieri’s reign.

“I’m not aware of any senior players going to the owners so that’s news to me,” he said.