Premier League-winning Leicester manager Ranieri quits

This season, the football world said goodbye to several legendary players and coaches. However, one departure carried more emotional weight than any other.

Claudio Ranieri, the revered Italian coach, announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down from his remaining year with Cagliari and is retiring. This decision marks the end of a journey that began in 1986; it spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

After deciding to retire, Ranieri will lead Cagliari for the last time in his managerial career, according to Sky Italia. Last season, the Italian coach joined the club and guided them to promotion from Serie B. He had one year left on his contract after managing Cagliari from 1988 to 1991.

“Mr. Ranieri says goodbye to Cagliari. In his two spells with the club, he always managed to lead the team to achieve his initial goal,” the club confirmed. “There are tears of joy and gratitude for the man who managed to write some of the most beautiful scenarios in the history of Cagliari. What he did will remain indelible in the hearts of every supporter.”

What did Ranieri say?

The 72-year-old’s managerial career began in earnest in 1986. Just two years later, he took charge of the Sardinians for his first spell. Reflecting on his time with the club, he recalled the early years full of triumphs and challenges.

“I lived three wonderful years; then there were two promotions, a save, and then I was gone. I grew a lot and it seemed the right thing to do after the promotion, which maybe we didn’t expect to be so immediate when I arrived in January 1988,” shared Ranieri in a candid video.

His poignant recollections of Pavoletti’s crucial 94th-minute goal encapsulate the passion and drama that characterized his tenure. The experienced Ranieri then explained his withdrawal to leave now, despite still having a year left on his contract.

“But I’ve decided it’s only right that I leave now. I had a three-year contract, but now it’s right for me to leave. I’m leaving with a heavy heart because it’s hard, it’s a painful decision, but I think it’s right,” he admitted.

Ranieri leaves an unparalleled legacy in retirement

The impressive list of achievements that Claudio Ranieri can claim spans a wide range of leagues and nations. His most lauded achievement was perhaps leading Leicester City to an incredible Premier League crown in 2016, which captured the hearts of football fans across the globe.

His leadership helped the Foxes overcome insurmountable obstacles and cement their place in history. In a remarkable example of the lasting impact of his influence, Leicester City only managed to regain their place in the First Division this season after being relegated last year.

He is also very successful as a manager in Spain, leading Valencia and Atletico Madrid to trophies. He has three major cup wins with Valencia: the 1999 Copa del Rey, the 1998 Intertoto Cup and the 2014 European Super Cup.

Additionally, his tenure in Italy was a success, during which Fiorentina won the Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia in 1996. With these honors, including the 2016 FIFA Football Award for World’s Greatest Coach, his influence on the sport is undeniable .

PHOTOS: IMAGO