As if it needed confirmation, Claudio Ranieri has again been hailed as the nicest man in football after wishing Watford good luck under his replacement Roy Hodgson.
The Italian tactician was sacked after just 14 competitive matches in charge, which saw him pick up two wins, a draw and 11 defeats.
“I can only say good luck to everybody – to Watford, the fans, the board,” Ranieri told Sky Sports News as he drove out of the training ground for the last time.
“That’s football, but I believe that these three new players, Watford can be safe. And also arrives a fantastic manager. I wish all the best. Thank you.”
His replacement will be Hodgson, who already worked with the Pozzo family – who own Watford – at Udinese from July to December 2001.
It was not a success, lasting only 17 games with seven wins, five draws and five losses.
Inevitably, Watford fans acknowledged what everyone has known for decades, that Ranieri is the true gentleman of football who shows ‘such dignity’ in awkward situations.
“I can only say good luck to everybody – to Watford, the fans, the board.”
Claudio Ranieri speaks to Sky Sports News after leaving the Watford training ground for the final time…🚗🎙 pic.twitter.com/RcAvEe56z8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2022