Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League champions, the club announced on Wednesday. After replacing Nigel Pearson last year, the 64-year-old Italian masterminded the Foxes' fairytale season that culminated in their first ever top-flight title. The new contract keeps him at the club until June 2020. "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," Leicester City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said. "Claudio's qualities, both as a man and as a coach, have been very clear since the moment he arrived – qualities that have helped Leicester City to progress on every level. We have strong foundations from which to keep moving our Club forward and I’m delighted that Claudio will continue to be part of that journey," he added. In extending his contract, Ranieri follows key club players such as Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan in committing his future to Leicester City. "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," Ranieri told the club's official website. "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," added the Premier League winning manager. The Foxes begin their title-defending campaign on Saturday when they travel to newly promoted Hull City

Source: QNA