Claudio Ranieri, the renowned Italian football manager who led Leicester City to an improbable Premier League title in 2016, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 72. His final match as a manager was Cagliari’s 3-2 home defeat to Fiorentina, where he received a heartfelt ovation from fans and a guard of honour from his players at the Sardegna Arena.
Ranieri, reflecting on his career, stated, “There is a beginning and an end to everything. It is only fair: to close the circle in this way, where I had started, is something I dreamed of and the dream was wonderful.” He began his managerial journey with Cagliari in 1988 and returned to the club later in his career.
Ranieri is best known for guiding Leicester City to a fairy-tale Premier League title in 2016, a feat that is considered one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. His illustrious career includes managing top Serie A teams like Juventus, AS Roma, and Inter Milan, as well as Premier League clubs Chelsea, Fulham, and Watford. He also had stints in Spain’s LaLiga with Valencia and Atletico Madrid.
Reflecting on his career, Ranieri remarked, “Luck does not fall on you, it has to be sought. I was a lucky man: I wanted to be a footballer, I managed to do it. Then when I was 30 I tried to understand if I understood soccer, I tried and I succeeded. As a soccer player I was not a great champion, but as a coach I had a lot of fun. For me it was an honour to be in the world of soccer.”
Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini lauded Ranieri’s contributions, stating during a post-match ceremony, “I don’t want to talk about what the coach did in Cagliari. You all know that. I would like to focus on what he leaves us with: grace, loyalty, determination and courage, the most beautiful values of sports. Thank you, Claudio!”
Ranieri’s departure marks the end of a remarkable career filled with resilience, passion, and numerous achievements across Europe. His legacy will be remembered for his tactical acumen, leadership, and the extraordinary impact he had on teams and players alike.
