Former Leicester City coach speaks for the first time since sacking

fiifi anaman

February 24, 2017 6:13 PM

The Italian has some emotional words in the wake of his shocking dismissal at the helm of the defending Premier League champions

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Claudio Ranieri says his "dream died" when Leicester City relieved him of his post on Thursday, February 23.

READ MORE: End of the Road

The Italian manager was sacked barely 24 hours after his side's 2-1 loss away to Sevilla in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

The 65-year-old, who has been forced out of the King Power Stadium 298 days since leading The Foxes to a fairy tale Premier League title, released an emotional statement on Friday.

READ MORE: Leicester City

FULL STATEMENT

Yesterday my dream died.

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 [Ranieri's agent] and Franco Granello [his Italian agent] 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.

Claudio Ranieri

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