Claudio Ranieri, the Premier League-winning mastermind behind Leicester City’s 2015/16 fairytale, turned down an opportunity to return to Chelsea in 2024. Instead, the 73-year-old came out of retirement to take the reins at AS Roma, a club close to his heart.
Ranieri’s storied managerial career includes stints at Chelsea, Leicester, Fulham, and Watford, with his crowning achievement being Leicester’s improbable league triumph at 5000-1 odds.
After announcing his retirement following a second spell with Cagliari, Ranieri surprised many by accepting Roma’s offer to serve as head coach and advisor until the season’s end.
While Chelsea sought his expertise for an advisory role, Ranieri felt his connections and experience were better suited to Italy. “Chelsea approached me, but I declined. In England, I lack the network I have here,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Roma is my life. Coaching them is the realization of a childhood dream.”
Ranieri’s dual role includes guiding the team and helping Roma search for their next manager. Despite turmoil within the club, including four managerial changes in a year, Ranieri’s start has been steady, with five wins in 10 matches. Roma now sits 10th in Serie A, edging closer to European qualification.
Chelsea, too, has faced upheaval under Todd Boehly’s leadership, navigating managerial reshuffles before finding stability with Enzo Maresca. Both clubs are striving to rebuild, but Ranieri’s decision to prioritize Roma reflects his enduring passion for his boyhood team.
This’s what life’s about!