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Claudio Ranieri named new Leicester manager

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Leicester City have confirmed former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri as their new manager on a three-year deal

Leicester have confirmed Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.

The former Chelsea boss has been named as successor to Nigel Pearson, who was sacked last month despite leading City to Premier League safety last season.

Leicester also considered their former boss Martin O'Neill, but Sky Bet suspended betting on the new manager on Saturday after Ranieri was heavily backed.

The Italian, who lost his job as Greece boss in November, has been given a three-year contract.

He said: "I'm so glad to be here in a club with such a great tradition as Leicester City.

Claudio Ranieri
Image: Claudio Ranieri (right) has signed a three-year deal to replace Nigel Pearson as Leicester manager (Picture courtesy of Leicester City FC)

"I've 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.”

The Tinkerman returns
The Tinkerman returns

We take a look at Claudio Ranieri's highs and lows since leaving Chelsea 11 years ago

Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "It is my great pleasure to welcome Claudio – a man of remarkable experience and knowledge that will lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan for Leicester City.

"His achievements in the game, his knowledge of English football and his record of successfully coaching some of the world’s finest players made him the outstanding candidate for the job and his ambitions for the future reflect our own.

"To have attracted one of the world’s elite managers speaks volumes both for the progress Leicester City has made in recent years and for the potential that remains for the club’s long-term development."

Ranieri was Chelsea boss for almost four years until he was replaced by Jose Mourinho in 2004, and he has since managed Roma, Juventus and Inter in Italy and Monaco in France's Ligue 1.

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson gives his side instructions during their match against Sunderland.
Image: Nigel Pearson lost his job at Leicester last month despite securing Premier League survival

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