Leicester manager Ranieri signs new contract until 2020
LONDON (Reuters) - Manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new contract with Leicester City that would keep him at the club until June 2020, the Premier League champions announced on Wednesday.
Appointed in July, 2015, the 64-year-old Italian helped the club defy pre-season odds of 5000/1 to win the league, the first top-flight title in Leicester's 132-year history.
"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," club vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said in a statement.
Key players including goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, defender Wes Morgan and prolific striker Jamie Vardy have also extended their contracts with the club who begin their title defence with a trip to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday.
"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," Ranieri said.
"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."
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)