The legend has retired from club football management after successfully keeping Cagliari in Series A. I don't really have the words to express my gratitude and, indeed, continuing amazement, for what this guy did in 2015/16. Wasn't just the success on the pitch - his tactical nous and calmness - it was the way he conducted himself off it. Humble and gracious, with a wry smile and a twinkle in his eye. No soundbites - no perceptible ego. Pizza for clean sheets and... keeping it real and grounded. Dilly Dong! Forza Claudio- happy retirement and thanks for the memories and for making the impossible dream come true!
If anyone ever asks who our best ever manager was I always say Ranieri. I know Martin O’Neill had more prolonged success, Nigel Pearson built the squad that Ranieri inherited and even Brendan Rodgers, as much as the mess he made at the end, won us the FA Cup and had consecutive top 5 finishes. Ranieri created the greatest sporting story ever, I still think about it every day, and I will until I croak it. As you say, the way he conducted himself, that glint in his eye, and overcoming the odds that were stacked against him just makes you love him even more. Enjoy your retirement Claudio, I’ll raise a glass to you tonight.
