Claudio Ranieri is set to step away from the world of football after confirming that he will be leaving Cagliari. Ranieri, who most recently guided Cagliari to promotion and then secured their Serie A safety, has reportedly decided to retire.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, Ranieri’s departure from football was a mutual decision, with the 72-year-old choosing to end his coaching career a year before his contract was set to expire in 2025.
Ranieri is perhaps best known internationally for his astonishing feat of leading Leicester City to an unexpected Premier League title in the 2015-16 season. This victory remains one of football’s most remarkable underdog stories. However, it is his enduring connection with Cagliari that has kept him in the game in recent years.
Ranieri’s relationship with Cagliari began in the late 1980s. His first tenure from 1988 to 1991 saw him lead the team from Serie C to Serie A. Decades later, he returned in 2023, once again guiding them to promotion and securing their Serie A status, showcasing his unwavering commitment and expertise.
Throughout his career, Ranieri managed an impressive array of clubs. His resume includes Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Parma, Juventus, Roma, Inter, the Greece national team, Leicester City, Nantes, Fulham, Sampdoria, and Watford. Each stint added to his legacy, demonstrating his adaptability and tactical acumen.
Cagliari paid tribute to Ranieri with a heartfelt message titled “Forever grateful, mister.” The club acknowledged his incredible contributions over two separate periods, highlighting his ability to achieve the club’s objectives consistently. They praised his recent efforts, which culminated in yet another successful campaign.
“Mister Ranieri bids farewell to Cagliari: In his two spells with the club, he always managed to lead the team to achieve their original objective. Already the mastermind behind two successive promotions in the past (from Serie C to Serie A) and survival in the top flight, in the last year-and-a-half, he has put together yet another masterpiece,” the club stated.
The club’s tribute continued, emphasizing the emotional impact of Ranieri’s achievements: “It is the closure of a full circle. Staying up in Serie A, exactly like it was 31 years ago, again in Emilia-Romagna, one day before the end of the season.
“It’s like we’ve been watching a movie, an Oscar-winning one, one that wins you over with its perfect screenplay. One of those that makes you laugh, but also moves you and makes you feel emotional.
“These are tears of joy and gratitude for the man who was able to write some of the most beautiful scripts in Cagliari’s history. What he did will remain indelible in the hearts of every supporter.”
