Claudio Ranieri has released a heartfelt statement following his sacking as manager as Leicester City manager on Thursday evening, saying that yesterday his "dream died".
Ranieri, who led 5000-1 outsiders Leicester City to a first ever Premier League trophy in the club's history following a fairytale run in England's top flight last year, was sacked following a 2-1 defeat away to Sevilla in the Champions League.
Leicester have struggled domestically this season and sit in 17th position in the league just one point above the relegation zone.
In a statement yesterday vice chairman of the club Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City.
"But we are duty-bound to put the Club’s long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be."
With 13 game remaining in the season, Ranieri is now unable to attempt to guide his team to safety. He will also miss their round of 16 second leg in the Champions League, where a 1-0 win will be sufficient to reach the quarter-finals during their maiden season in Europe's premier club competition.
Today, in a statement released by the Press Association, Ranieri said that last season's "amazing adventure" will live forever.
"Yesterday my dream died," he wrote.
"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 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 and Franco Granello for bringing me the opportunity to be a Champion.
"Mostly I 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 has been a pleasure and an honour to be a Champion with all of you."
Here is the statement from Claudio Ranieri, released to @PAdugout #LCFC pic.twitter.com/5u6ZrfEENE
— PA Dugout (@PAdugout) February 24, 2017
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