Ranieri’s parting words: “Love and gratitude for Samp”

Claudio Ranieri and Sampdoria have parted ways. After a season and a half at the helm of the Blucerchiati, the coach bids farewell and he does so on the best possible note, by achieving what he had set out to do.

Speaking after the final-day win over Parma, he commented: “I had said that I would like to get 52 points and it would have hurt not to achieve that. This team gave everything until the end and I just have to say thank you.”

Before the match there were many questions marks over who to pick in the final match of an unforgettable season, which Ranieri highlighted in his post-match remarks: “I told the lads: you all deserved to play tonight, I’m sorry you all can’t.

“I’m leaving, but I’ll still be here for the rest of my life. I’m leaving, but I’ll always have the memory of a wonderful group, made up of great professionals, with whom I felt a connection right from the start.

“It’s a pity I didn’t get to know the supporters too well – Covid ruined that opportunity. But I’ll never forget the home game against Lecce – the support of the fans and the whistles at the end. As long as the ball was in play, they spurred us on – that’s something I’d never experienced before.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, really. I’ll always have love and gratitude for Samp.”