Claudio Ranieri was given a moving send off by supporters of both Cagliari and Fiorentina before kick-off between the two sides in Serie A on Thursday evening, as Leicester’s Premier League-winning coach bids farewell to Serie A and life in the dugout at club level.
Fitting send-off for Ranieri
Ranieri announced earlier this week that he will step down from his position with Cagliari at the end of the 2023-24 season. He also intends to walk away from coaching at club level.
Before kick-off at the Unipol Domus on Thursday night, the north stand unveiled a large banner, which read: “Eternal gratitude for a great man. Thank you, Mister.”
🔴🔵 ETERNA RICONOSCENZA PER UN GRANDE UOMO. GRAZIER MISTER!
😢 #Cagliari saluta per l'ultima volta #Ranieri!
Grazie di tutto Mister! ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/WnrMXZTUMP
— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) May 23, 2024
The whole stadium were on their feet to applaud , including players and coaching staff from both sides, as well as the team of match officials.
Ranieri was also presented with a special gift by Fiorentina before the teams walked out, in recognition of his four-year spell in Tuscany between 1993 and 1997.
Claudio Ranieri was visibly emotional after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, players, and referee before the final match of his managerial career.
The Premier League winner is set to retire from football 🥹❤️️
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/od2uefHgOO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 23, 2024