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Claudio Ranieri thanks Chelsea fans after Leicester draw on final day

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Claudio Ranieri calls the Chelsea fans amazing after they game him a warm reception

Claudio Ranieri thanked Chelsea fans for their show of appreciation during the 1-1 draw with Leicester on the final day of the season.

The Premier League champions were given a guard of honour before kick-off and Ranieri, who spent four years at Stamford Bridge from 2000-2004, was warmly applauded as he emerged from the tunnel.

The Italian was also presented with a special award by former Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini.

"It was amazing, thank you," Ranieri told Sky Sports. "The emotion is fantastic. It was a good atmosphere and I want to say thank you to our fans and the Chelsea fans."

Leicester looked to be heading for only their fourth league defeat of the season after Cesc Fabregas' 66th-minute penalty put the hosts ahead.

But Danny Drinkwater scored a fine late equaliser to salvage a draw that sees the Foxes finish 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Claudio Ranieri waves to fans before Leicester's game at Stamford Bridge
Image: Ranieri waves to fans before the game

"It was important to finish well," said Ranieri. "We wanted to keep the clean sheet for Kasper (Schmeichel) but it was not possible.

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"It was a good match, both teams had chances and well done to the players on a warm day. I am very proud. We are a unit, we play together, fight for each other, and that was our motive."

Asked about the celebratory plans for the evening, Ranieri said: "We have an invitation from the chairman and it will be a fantastic dinner."

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