After the shock and angst that greeted his controversial sack Thursday as Leicester City manager, Claudio Ranieri has broken his silence in an emotional farewell letter in which he described his stay at the club as “ a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget .”
Ranieri, 65, was axed just nine months after leading Leicester to their memorable league title, with the stuttering champions now only one point clear above the drop zone.
Their incredible dream of last season may have rapidly disappeared, but the Italian continues to capture hearts with his wonderful persona.
“Yesterday my dream died,” Ranieri wrote in a heartfelt and poignant farewell.
“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. 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. Thank you to all the journalists and the media who came with us and enjoyed reporting on the greatest story in football. 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. 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.”
Arrivederci Claudio!
