Share

Okazaki in wonderland after Leicester’s Premier League triumph

Leicester have become particularly popular in Italy, Ranieri s homeland, and Thailand, which is where owners King Power are based, but Ranieri said he had received messages of support from around the world.

Advertisement

Everton visit the Premier League’s new and most unexpected champions on Saturday and will form a guard of honour for Claudio Ranieri’s side when Leicester are presented with the trophy after the game.

“We don’t need the superstars”, said the 64-year-old.

“This is a year that can not be repeated, next year we’ll try to fight for a top-10 place”, said the Leicester manager.

He noted surprise winners emerge once every 20 years, with Nottingham Forest in 1978, after promotion the previous season, and Blackburn Rovers in 1995, three years after going up.

“I think this is my karma because I fought so hard to achieve all my things – it has a special flavour”, he said. The richest club or team that can build the best players will win. Inside me there are two people.

Jose Mourinho, who led Chelsea to the title last season, sent his congratulations to Ranieri and his all-conquering team: “I want to congratulate everyone connected to LCFC; players, staff, owners and fans”.

Ranieri’s biggest task in the summer transfer window could be keeping hold of his players while trying to avoid upsetting the balance of his squad with new recruits.

Rather fittingly, Chelsea thwarted Tottenham on Monday evening to guarantee Leicester the Premier League crown. It is important you understand only me.

“I will say: ‘Do you have enough money to buy my players?'” he added.

“Do I think Leicester can do this again? No”. He said: “I would like to come and sing something”.

Ranieri acknowledged that bids for standout players Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante and Jamie Vardy were likely to be made in the close season but suggested it would take vast sums to prise them away.

Asked whether he felt any temptation to quit while at the top despite having three years left on his contract Ranieri replied: “Are you insane?”

Advertisement

“It turned out to be a great half season and I want to end it well with these last matches”.

Britain Soccer Football- Leicester City Training- Leicester- 3/5/16 Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri during training Reuters  Darren Staples Livepic