Wednesday 10 August 2016 11:51, UK
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new contract which ties him to the Premier League champions until June 2020.
The Italian agreed terms on a deal just days before Leicester open their title defence at Hull on Saturday August 13, live on Sky Sports, having guided the Foxes to the most unlikeliest of triumphs last season.
He follows key players Jamie Vardy, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel in committing his future to the club.
Ranieri told the club's website: "From the moment I talked to the owners about their vision for Leicester City, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of for a long time. The energy that exists at this club - from the owners and the staff, to the players and supporters - is something very special. I am very happy and proud that I will be part of it for years to come.
"Last season, that spirit and our hard work helped us to achieve something magical. If we can continue to work hard, maintain our passion and continue to fight with all our hearts, I am sure we can continue to be successful together."
City vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha told the club website: "Twelve months ago, we brought to Leicester City a man whose knowledge and experience, we felt, could lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan. What he would go on to help us achieve, in the time we have achieved it, has been beyond anything we could have anticipated.
"Claudio's qualities, both as a man and as a coach, have been very clear since the moment he arrived - qualities that have helped Leicester City to progress on every level. We have strong foundations from which to keep moving our club forward and I'm delighted that Claudio will continue to be part of that journey."
Foxes chief-executive Susan Whelan also paid tribute to Ranieri after he signed his new deal.
She told Sky Sports News HQ: "Claudio has an immense effect in every element in the club. It's his character and his personality that has been very important.
"He has settled the team that was in place within the club, and he has built on that and is continuing to develop that. He's an incredible manager, he's a wonderful man and he's a tremendous leader for us for the future. So it is good news.
"I think it's very important in terms of stability and following on from the commitment from some of our senior players to new contracts with the club. It's a journey for all of us. Their commitment and dedication to us for the long term is very important."
Ranieri's side defied pre-season odds of 5000/1 to win their first top-flight title in their 132-year history finishing 10 points of runners-up Arsenal, having suffered only three defeats.
The 64-year-old, the current LMA manager of the year, began his coaching career in the amateur leagues in Italy 30 years ago but had never secured a top flight championship winning medal before last season.
