Claudio Ranieri said his “dream died” when Leicester City fired him as manager on Thursday, nine months after the 5,000-1 shots won the Premier League.
“After the euphoria of lastseason and being crowned champions,” the 65-year-old Italian said, “all I dreamt of was staying with Leicester. Sadly this was not to be. The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever. Myheartfelt thanks to everybody at the club, everybody who 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 canever take away what we achieved together 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 apleasure and an honour to be a champion with all of you.”