Kasper Schmeichel is the first Leicester City player to thank Claudio Ranieri following the Italian’s dismissal.
Ranieri was sacked with Leicester one point and one place above the relegation zone in the Premier League, and without a league goal in 2017.
However, after last season’s stunning success, many felt the 65-year-old deserved more time to turn things around. According to reports, Ranieri’s fractured relationship with some senior players prompted the club’s owners to sack him.
The players reportedly voiced their unhappiness to the club’s owner on Wednesday evening, following their 2-1 loss to Sevilla in the Champions League last-16 tie.
A sad read https://t.co/dTLMwqc7I8
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 25, 2017
Schmeichel was a key player as Leicester won the league title last year, and the goalkeeper is one of the only players in the squad who hasn’t suffered a massive dip in form this season.
If the Danish goalkeeper is one of those who has an issue with Ranieri, he has put it to one side in order to thank his former manager.
Schmeichel posted a message to his Instagram, the first Leicester player to pay tribute to the Italian since he was sacked, writing:
“I would like to thank Claudio for everything he’s done for Leicester City Football Club, and for me personally. He deserves massive respect and huge credit for what he achieved here with us.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ6JkKvDNAE/?taken-by=kasperschmeichel
However, while many appreciated Schmeichel’s message, the reaction to the post was inevitable, with many responding using a snake emoji.
Ranieri broke his own silence on Friday evening.
The 65-year-old released a statement in which he thanked everyone involved with the club, his agents for getting him the job and even the media for reporting on the team’s incredible journey last season.
Here is the statement from Claudio Ranieri, released to @PAdugout #LCFC pic.twitter.com/5u6ZrfEENE
— PA Dugout (@PAdugout) February 24, 2017
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