Claude Puel thanks Leicester fans and players following his sacking
Monday 25 February 2019 14:15, UK
Claude Puel has thanked Leicester City's supporters and players, while also paying tribute to the club's late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, following his sacking by the club.
Puel was informed of the decision, which was made by vice-chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha, on Saturday night following a 4-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace earlier in the day.
That brought an end to Puel's 16-month spell in charge at the King Power Stadium.
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The Frenchman steered the Foxes to a ninth-placed Premier League finish last season and helped the club through the tragic death of Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash in October.
But the team's form has dipped in recent months - Saturday's defeat was their seventh successive game without a win - as senior players began to doubt his decision making, Sky Sports News understands.
Nevertheless, the 57-year-old former Southampton boss says he will take many happy memories with him and wished Leicester all the best in the future.
"I would like to thank everyone that I worked with at Leicester City Football Club. It was a privilege to work with the players, the staff and the management," Puel said in a statement released by the League Managers Association.
"I would also like to thank the fans for their fantastic support as well as their understanding as the team developed.
"I really appreciate the willingness to learn and work ethic of all of the players and I have no doubt that they will all have bright futures.
"It was my honour to work for the late and much loved Khun Vichai, who gave me the fantastic opportunity to manage his club and share some great moments with him.
"My mission at Leicester City Football Club ends here but I will continue to follow the performances of the team and wish the club all the best for the future."
