Ranieri Seeks Cambiasso Decision

- Ranieri wants Cambiasso to return to the squad for the new season, but needs a decision 

- Director of Football Jon Rudkin hopeful of forthcoming resolution 

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has made a personal plea to Esteban Cambiasso to re-sign with the Foxes, but says he needs a decision one way or the other. 

Out of contract after a sensational first season at King Power Stadium, Cambiasso, who played a central role in Leicester’s great escape last term, is currently weighing up a second offer from City to extend his stay in Leicester. 

Ranieri, who managed Cambiasso during the 2011/12 season at Inter Milan, hopes to have the 34-year-old’s leadership qualities to call upon during his first campaign on Filbert Way. 

But the Italian is seeking a swift decision from the talismanic Argentine, in case City need to consider alternative options. 

“I spoke with him,” Ranieri said. “I’ve known Esteban since Inter Milan. I coached him and I said to him ‘I need you. Everybody loves you in Leicester. Please come back.’ 

“He wants to wait, look very well at all the opportunities that life offers to him and he will choose. Now we need a yes or no because of the start of the season. 

“He is a very good team leader and if he doesn’t come I need another team leader. We don’t start the season without a player like Esteban.” 

Director of Football Jon Rudkin underlined City’s resolve to retain last season's Player of the Year and was hopeful that a decision is forthcoming. 

He said: “In relation to Esteban, we’ve obviously spoken to him at the end of last season before the final game finished. We’re all very pleased the way that he contributed to last season. 

“He was an excellent player for us and received the award that he should. We’re trying very hard to sign him again for the forthcoming season. Hopefully in the near future we’ll get answers one way or the other."