By Timothy Dehinbo
Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new contract which ties him to the Premier League champions until June 2020.
The Italian agreed terms on a deal just days before Leicester open their title defence at Hull on Saturday August 13, having guided the Foxes to the most unlikeliest of triumphs last season.
He follows key players Jamie Vardy, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel in committing his future to the club.
Ranieri told the club’s website: “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. 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.
City vice-chairman Srivaddhanaprabha told the club website: “Twelve months ago, we brought to Leicester City a man whose knowledge and experience, we felt, could lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan. What he would go on to help us achieve, in the time we have achieved it, has been beyond anything we could have anticipated.