“The fans chanting “Okazaki, Okazaki” really moved me”.
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“It’s unbelievable. I can only say thank you to the people”.
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: “Leicester’s achievement has been made possible by the tactical and technical knowledge of Claudio and his coaching staff. His passion for football, humility and charisma has underpinned an incredible ability to manage a team at the very highest level”.
The mastermind behind the fairytale, club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
The crowd also included a party of mature students from Thailand who are studying English at Leicester’s De Montfort University.
Long-time fan Eileen James from Birstall, Leicester, said she was delighted by the global flavour of the celebrations, which have drawn visitors from across the globe.
An estimated 100,000 fans packed the city streets to hail the side’s stunning win, with Leicester coach Claudio Ranieri also there to soak up the celebrations.
Many supporters hadn’t quite come to terms with the magnitude of Leicester winning the first title in the club’s 132-year history, but it wasn’t going to stop them celebrating in style.
Supporters shouted and cheered as they watched footage on a huge screen showing all 24 of star striker Jamie Vardy’s goals and some memorable Ranieri quotes from 2015-16.
Ranieri, asked about the prospect of Leicester’s first Champions League campaign next season, told the crowd: “Yes”.
‘Keep dreaming. Do not wake up!’
“I enjoyed today in front of all our fans”.
There was a big Italian contingent in the city to honour countryman Ranieri, who looked emotional when he arrived on stage at Victoria Park.
Among them was his now-famous response to the team making the Champions League: “Hey, man, we are in Champions League!”
Ranieri’s no-fuss approach took Leciester’s more established Premier League contenders by surprise as they lost just three league matches all season on the way to claiming one of the greatest sporting triumphs.
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