Ranieri says goodbye to his players
CLAUDIO RANIERI visited Leicester’s training ground yesterday morning to say goodbye to his former players and staff.
The 65-year-old Italian said on Friday that his “dream died” after his sacking on Thursday night, having led the Foxes to an historic Premier League title last term.
“I don’t speak with anybody, just to say thank you to the fans. They are fantastic. Thank you,” he said when asked for a quick word by reporters as he drove away.
On how he was feeling, he said: “I feel good now, because what we achieved in Leicester. I hope it will happen again, but it will be very difficult.”
When asked if it had been an emotional meeting with his players, he insisted it had been “normal”.
Ranieri guided the midlands club to a shock title last season, but was axed with the team 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 tomorrow’s visit of Liverpool.
“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. I wish to thank my wife Rosanna and all my family for their never-ending support during my time at Leicester.
“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.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also compared the sacking Ranieri to Brexit and Donald Trump’s election as US president.
Reds boss Klopp said: “For me there have been a few strange decisions in 16/17: Brexit, Trump, Ranieri. Do I have to understand it all the time – obviously not. I have no idea why Leicester did this.”
But Foxes caretaker boss Craig Shakespeare dismissed rumours of dressing room unrest.
He said: “I’m not aware of any senior players going to the owners so that’s news to me. What I would say, there was a lot of frustration because of results but he hadn’t lost the dressing room.”