PLAYERS DID NOT BETRAY ME: RANIERI

London, April 11: Claudio Ranieri insisted on Monday his sacking only a few months after guiding unfashionable Leicester to the unlikeliest of Premier League title wins was not orchestrated by the players.

The avuncular 65year-old Italian — who took over from Nigel Pearson for the 2015/16 campaign tasked with preserving their elite status — told Sky Sports in his first interview since being fired there was someone within the club who manoeuvred to have him sacked.

Ranieri, no stranger to the sack during his long managerial career, said he would not name the person.

However, he had confronted them after he was fired following the Champions League last 16 first leg 2-1 defeat away at Sevilla in February.

He claimed there had been moves to undermine him even in the title-winning season — adding that it became easier once Leicester’s title defence turned into a fight against relegation.

“I can’t believe the players spoke to the owners,” said Ranieri, referring to claims that circulated about some going to the Thai owners after the Sevilla game to plead with them to remove the Italian.

“I don’t believe my players killed me. No, no, no. Maybe it was someone behind me.

“I had a little problem the year before and we won the title.

“Maybe this year, when we lose, these people push a little more.

“I don’t want to say who it is. I am a loyal man. What I had to say, I said face to face.”

“Leicester and the fans will be in my heart for all of my life.”