Claudio Ranieri has retired from club management at the age of 72.
The Italian head coach steered Cagliari to safety in Serie A this season and announced ahead of their final game that he will be leaving when the campaign is over.
Ranieri famously led Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016 in one of the biggest sporting achievements in the modern game.
The Foxes were quoted at 5000-1 to win the division in the summer of 2015 and beat both Tottenham and Arsenal to the crown.
Cagliari lost 3-2 to Fiorentina on Thursday night and Ranieri said before the match: “I have finished my career as a club coach.”
He admitted he could see himself managing an international team next and has not completely closed the door on another job in the industry.
Claudio Ranieri was visibly emotional after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, players, and referee before the final match of his managerial career.
The Premier League winner is set to retire from football 🥹❤️️
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/od2uefHgOO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 23, 2024
Ranieri will always be remembered as a legend in Italy.
He inherited a side in Serie A in January 2023 but took them to the play-offs straight away and successfully secured promotion, beating Bari in the final.
The veteran coach has managed 18 clubs during his successful career and tributes were pouring in as he prepared to say his farewell.
LaLiga side Valencia posted on social media: “One of the most beloved coaches in the history of Valencia CF is retiring. Claudio Ranieri, we wish you the very best. Thank you for everything.”
Napoli also gave Ranieri their gratitude, saying: “Thank you for everything, Ranieri. A true professional and a man of such noble values.”
