Ranieri: From The Beginning, I Felt Something Special

- The City boss said it has been particularly special given the group of players at the Club 

- Ranieri explained how the 3-1 win at Manchester City in February signified that his side will accomplish something remarkable this season

In his first press conference since City were crowned Barclays Premier League champions, Claudio Ranieri explained how he knew all along that his side had the potential to achieve something special. 

With a target of survival set at the start of the term, the Foxes began superbly, losing just once in their opening seven Premier League games. 

The defeat to Arsenal in late September would not halt City’s momentum, though, as they would not lose again until Boxing Day and heading into that game against Liverpool sat top of the table on Christmas Day. 

Claudio Ranieri’s men had to recover once again to win eight of their next 10 Premier League games, before another defeat to Arsenal reduced City’s advantage at the top of the table to just two points. 

But the Foxes simply went from strength to strength and with a series of narrow wins, they stormed to their first-ever Premier League title. 

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Everton at King Power Stadium, Ranieri said: “I enjoy all the season because from the beginning, I felt something special but I could never imagine this, never. 

“It is good, we work so hard and I know all the players, clubs and managers work so hard but only one can win and this year it happened to me. 

“I fight so hard to achieve all my goals. It is a special moment and I am very happy. I want to thank all my players, staff, the chairman and the fans. They were amazing. 

“I would like to remember because you say this is a fairy tale. My fairy-tale started in Cagliari a long time ago. I came from non-league and we won Serie C, Serie B and Serie A. From then, I flew. 

“To win the Premier League is something special and more here in Leicester, more with these fantastic lads. Unbelievable.” 

Ranieri went on to cite the 3-1 victory at Manchester City on 6 February as a match that made a huge statement – that his players had the ability to achieve something extraordinary. 

“I think this victory can give to my players the feeling to understand they are able to fight anybody and they can achieve everything,” Ranieri said. “Of course I told you we go step by step. I told them to try to win. 

“The players have been good. They enjoy of course and the train very well and we want to make a good performance against Everton.”