Claudio Ranieri wants to end his career at Leicester

New Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has revealed that he wants to end his career at the King Power Stadium.

The former Chelsea boss, who was the surprise choice to replace the axed Nigel Pearson in July, takes charge of the Foxes for the first time in the Premier League when they host Sunderland on Saturday.

Leicester is the Italian’s eighth club in 11 years since leaving Stamford Bridge but, after signing a three-year contract, the 63-year-old is keen to put down roots with the club after returning to England.

"I'd like to stay here for a long time. I'd like to finish my career at Leicester if I can," he said.

"I've always laid foundations wherever I've been. I want to say the same here. I'm very happy here.

"The chairman told me the first three or four years it is important to maintain at this level in the Premier League. Then, slowly, slowly, step by step, increase and fight with the bigger clubs.

"But now it is important to maintain and get one point more than last year."

Ranieri has also relocated to the East Midlands while keeping a house in London as he settles in Leicester.

He said: "For me, it's important to continue my career. I prefer to live near the club, I have to work hard. Players go home after training, I have to try and control and improve things.

"At the moment I know only the hotel, training ground and stadium.

"I've eaten in the city centre - it's not bad. I've had Indian and English meals as well as Italian - I change with my meals. I like to tinker with my food as well."

Ranieri's two signings - N'Golo Kante and Yohan Benalouane - may not be available to face Sunderland at the weekend, with the manager still assessing their fitness after they joined this week.

He said: "I love English football because it has my character, I am a fighter. I want to fight for every match. In England everybody wants to fight against everybody."