Ranieri admits emotion after Chelsea reception

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said he was touched by the guard of honour for his title-winning side – and the response from Chelsea fans to his return.

Former Blues manager Ranieri also revealed that he has spoken to owner Roman Abramovich, who sacked him before appointing Jose Mourinho in 2004.

“The emotion was at the maximum because there was a fantastic welcome back from everybody,” said Ranieri, whose Foxes side won the Premier League by 10 points.

“I met Roman Abramovich here and when I go out and hear all my fans, and also the Chelsea fans, it was an amazing moment for me.”

With John Terry’s future at Stamford Bridge still up in the air – the Chelsea skipper told fans after the game he wanted to stay and would be holding more talks with the club – Ranieri recalled his time in charge when he gave Terry his break.

“He is as my son,” the Italian said.

“I believed in him when he was young and I put him in the team.

“There were a couple of champions of the world and of Europe – [Marcel] Desailly and [Franck] Leboeuf – and he played.

“He made a fantastic career and I hope he can continue.”