Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has ruled himself out the running to replace Antonio Conte as the next Italy boss after the Euros.
Ranieri, 64, is closing in on his first league title in one of Europe’s top leagues after falling short on numerous occasions during his illustrious career.
The Italian has taken transformed Leicester from relegation battlers to league leaders since taking over from Nigel Pearson at the start of the season and he has naturally been linked with the Italy head job, with Conte set to become Chelsea’s manager when his contract expires after the Euros.
However, Ranieri has no interest in leading his country and is focused on steering Leicester to a remarkable Premier League crown before ending his managerial career at the King Power Stadium.
“No team can change my mind, definitely no,” Ranieri is quoted as saying by The Daily Express. “Of course I am very proud if they are thinking of me in Italy or anywhere else. But this is my club.
“I want to stay here. If my owner is happy I stay here. There isn’t another team - there is nothing that can change my mind.
“I am so happy here there is so much to do - we are just starting to build. If owner is happy with me, I’m happy with him. I’d like this to be my last job. If it’s possible I’d like to be here a long time.”
Leicester are currently five points clear in the Premier League with eight games remaining as they close in on an historic first Premier League title. No team has scored more league goals than the Foxes in England’s top-flight this season (53).
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