Leicester City has appointed Italian Maverick and former Chelsea, Valencia and Internazionale boss Claudio Ranieri as their new manager for next three years.
The Italian maverick, who has been jobless since being axed as Greece boss last year, succeeds hugely successful Nigel Pearson who was sacked last month due to “fundamental differences in perspective”.
The 63-year-old has managed a string of top-rated clubs with successful stints at Fiorentina, Valencia, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Roma and Internazionale during his nomadic coaching career that spans nearly three decades.
The “Tinkerman” left Atletico Madrid in September 2000 to join the current Premier League Champions Chelsea. During his four-year stay at Stamford Bridge, guided Blues to a second place finish in English top flight, semi-final position in the Champions League and the final of FA Cup but failed to win any silverware.
The coaching maestro went on to manage various championship clubs after handing over the reins of Stamford Bridge club to Jose Mourinho who was earmarked for the position.
The club’s Thai owners are believed to have considered various high profile coaches for the coveted position before announcing the appointment of former Milan boss.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Claudio Ranieri, a man of remarkable experience and knowledge that will lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan for Leicester City,” said Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the club owner.
The Italian boss, who signed a three-year term with Leicester City and has been asked to build on the solid foundations left by the former manager, as he bids to start a new spell in English top flight. Initially, he will be assisted by Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh, who both remained at the club following Pearson’s removal from service.
“I’m so glad to be here in a club with such a great tradition as Leicester City,” Ranieri told club’s official website.
Leicester pulled off an incredible escape from the relegation after spending 140 days at the bottom of Premier League table last season after Pearson led them to seven victories in last nine games to finish 14th.
