Claudio Ranieri’s son-in-law reveals the Leicester City manager “was happier for the players and fans” than himself.
The Foxes beat 5,000-1 odds to win the Premier League title on Monday evening, thanks to Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
“It was one of the most important achievements in the history of the sport,” actor Alessandro Roja told the Corriere dello Sport.
Claudio Ranieri’s son-in-law reveals the Leicester City manager “was happier for the players and fans” than himself.
The Foxes beat 5,000-1 odds to win the Premier League title on Monday evening, thanks to Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
“It was one of the most important achievements in the history of the sport,” actor Alessandro Roja told the Corriere dello Sport.
Roja is married to Ranieri’s daughter, Claudia, and they watched the game in Rome after the manager had jetted back to England.
“At the final whistle there was a moment of silence, almost as if we had to fully realise what had just happened.
“Claudio called from England and he was very happy for what he’d done. He wasn’t so much happy for himself, but more for helping the players and fans achieve this dream.
“He is a calm and relaxed person who knows when it’s the right time to joke. He has the experience of someone who has been in this profession for many years, someone who can win over people’s trust.
“A few months ago I asked him why he wasn’t targeting the title and he had this sneaky look in his eye, as if to say: ‘You tell me this now, but I’ve been thinking about this for a while.’
“Over the summer he had other offers, but instinct – fortunately – made him accept the Leicester proposal. I could tell at the start of the season he was fired up and wanted more than mere safety.”
As Roja is an actor, does he see Ranieri following him into the movies?
“I’d like to see him in the role of a Coach who brings a small football team to glory.”