Veteran Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri bid an emotional farewell to the Sardinian staff in addition to presumably soccer administration altogether.
His departure was barely spoiled as Cagliari, which had already secured Serie A security, misplaced 3-2 at dwelling to Fiorentina in its final match of the season on Thursday.
Fiorentina snatched the win when Arthur transformed a penalty with the final kick of the match within the thirteenth minute of stoppage time. The consequence additionally secured European soccer for Fiorentina subsequent season.
The match got here two days after Ranieri confirmed he would step down as coach of his beloved Cagliari, the staff that additionally launched his spectacular managerial profession greater than 35 years earlier.
Ranieri, who famously steered Leicester City to the English Premier League title in 2016, mentioned he wouldn’t coach one other membership however could take into account presents from nationwide groups.
Ranieri already appeared to have tears in his eyes earlier than kickoff when he was given a standing ovation by the followers in addition to each units of gamers. There was an enormous banner unveiled within the stands that learn “Eternal gratitude for a great man. Thank you, Mister” in addition to loads of smaller indicators expressing the followers’ love for Ranieri.
The 72-year-old Ranieri was given a guard of honor by Cagliari after the match and his eyes had been glistening with tears as he gave a speech to the followers earlier than strolling spherical the sector to salute all sides of the bottom and placing a staff scarf round his neck.
Ranieri returned for a second stint at Cagliari in December 2022, with the facet 14th in Serie B.
He pulled off one thing of a masterstroke to assist Cagliari earn promotion after which continued to work his managerial magic to make sure it averted going straight again down, securing Serie A security final weekend.
Ranieri had coached Fiorentina for a four-year spell from 1993 and was introduced with a particular present of a staff jersey along with his title on and a No. 1. Napoli, Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan are additionally amongst a protracted checklist of different golf equipment Ranieri additionally coached.
