Well-travelled Italian Claudio Ranieri has been announced as the new manager of Leicester City.
The former Chelsea boss returns to the Premier League 11 years after being sacked by the Blues.
BREAKING: We’re delighted to introduce Claudio Ranieri as our new First Team Manager! #lcfc #WelcomeClaudio pic.twitter.com/ftjvCUz3Yh
— Leicester City (@OfficialFOXES) July 13, 2015
He replaces Nigel Pearson at the King Power Stadium. Pearson masterminded Leicester’s unlikely escape from relegation last season but was recently sacked due to a strained relationship with the board.
Ranieri told the club’s official website: “I’m so glad to be here in a Club with such a great tradition as Leicester City. I have worked at many great clubs, in many top leagues, but since I left Chelsea I have dreamt of another chance to work in the best league in the world again.
“I wish to thank the owner, his son and all the executives of the Club for the opportunity they are giving me. Now I’ve only one way for returning their trust: squeeze all my energies to getting the best results for the team.”
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, whose son Kasper plays for the Foxes, and former Leicester favourites Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon had both been linked with the vacancy.
But City officials have plumped for Ranieri, who was nicknamed ‘the Tinkerman’ during his four years at Chelsea, which ended when he was axed by Roman Abramovich after a second-place finish in 2004.
The 63-year-old has since had spells in charge of a series of high-profile European teams; Valencia, Parma, Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan, AS Monaco and most recently the Greece national side.
SEE MORE:
Man United 2015-16 XI: SEVEN new signings IN
Man United sign Schweinsteiger: Bayern Munich midfielder arrives in first of double deal
Most expensive footballers: £49m Liverpool rebel joins record Arsenal & Man Utd buys & Chelsea flops
COMMENTS