Claudio Ranieri Left Overcome With Emotion After Spine-Tingling Tribute From Leicester And AS Roma Fans
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An emotional Claudio Ranieri was serinaded by thousands of AS Roma and Leicester City supporters at the Stadio Olimpico in what was a lovely tribute to one of football's good guys.
Against all odds, the likeable Italian famously lifted the Premier League title with the Foxes during a dreamlike 2015/16 campaign, where Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante helped the club achieve what many thought was impossible.
Three years later, after being sacked by Leicester in 2017 following a disappointing second season at the King Power, Ranieri would return to former club AS Roma – a team he managed eight years previously.
The connection between both clubs is strong for Ranieri, who also made six appearances for Roma during the 1973/74 season.
And as he watched two of his former sides from the stands on Thursday night, a live feed of Ranieri watching the Europa Conference League semi-final game emerged on the stadium's big screen.
Moments later, thousands of home and away fans leapt to their feet and applauded the 70-year-old, who was visibly moved by the reception he received in the 52nd minute. You can watch that beautiful moment below.
How lovely is this! 🥰
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 5, 2022
Roma and Leicester fans serinade Claudio Ranieri watching his two former sides 🙌
A wonderful reception for a legend of the game 👏#UECL pic.twitter.com/akIZnb7SGj
Ahead of this week's semi-final second leg, childhood Roma fan Ranieri said Jose Mourinho's "mentality" would be a difference-maker when they came up against the Premier League outfit.
“I have a strong professional bond with Leicester," Ranieri told La Gazzetta dello Sport, "but football faith is something different, linked to my childhood. I can’t betray it.
“I was 12 or 13 when I watched Roma’s first away game at the stadium. I went to Florence with my cousin by bus.”
You could argue that Ranieri was right. Mourinho's side secured a 2-1 aggregate win thanks to a first-half header from Tammy Abraham and La Lupa progressed to the final, where they will face Dutch side Feyenoord.
TAMMY ABRAHAM! WHAT A HEADER! 🤩
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 5, 2022
A fantastic corner from Lorenzo Pellegrini is fiercely met by Roma's number nine 💥
Incredible start at the Olimpico! 🙌#UECL pic.twitter.com/HkXukUDGNe
Mourinho, meanwhile, was left in tears when the full-time whistle blew on Thursday night.
For someone who has won so much, fans might have been forgiven for thinking the 'Special One' had no interest in the competition but as his players celebrated their victory on the pitch, he was visibly emotional on the touchline.
This man loves the game so much.
José Mourinho in tears after reaching the Conference final. Might not be the biggest final in his career, but man does this show how much he loves the game. Imagine not loving this man. pic.twitter.com/ZNXoAGqzOq
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) May 5, 2022
It was an emotional evening for many legends of the game.
Featured Image Credit: BT Sport
Topics: Premier League, Claudio Ranieri, AS Roma, Leicester City, Europa Conference League, Jose Mourinho
