Claudio Ranieri branded football heritage in adorable Roma vs Leicester moment

Claudio Ranieri was branded "football heritage" after he shared a touching moment with the supporters of Roma and Leicester.

Ranieri was in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico as two of his former sides battled it out for a place in the Europa Conference League final. The TV cameras panned to him during the second-leg clash and showed him watching as a fan on the big screen.

Although the teams were playing against each, the two sets of fans came together to give the 70-year-old a standing ovation. Ranieri smiled as he saw the reaction to him and began waving and clapping, but soon became emotional as the applause continued.

The Tinkerman got up out of his seat to show his thanks for the moment of respect which was lapped up online. One fan said: "Football Heritage."

"It's the utter surprise on his face that does me in. Wonderful man," commented one. Another wrote: "What a class act Claudio, he's holding back tears."

One supporter declared: "Probably one of the most lovable managers in Football. Deserves this love and adulation." A post which summed up the moment read: "Sometimes sports can be beautiful."

Where does Ranieri rank amongst the Prem's greatest managers? Let us know in the comments section.

Ranieri was Roma manager from September 2009 to February 2011. He narrowly lost out on the Serie A title and lost the Coppa Italia final in his first season, before resigning midway through his second campaign in charge following a poor run of results.

His exploits with Leicester from 2015-2017 need no reminder. But he told Gazetta dello Sport pre-match: "My relationship with Leicester was purely professional. I'm a Roma fan, and that reconnects me to my childhood. I can't betray my childhood colours.

"I think overall Roma have 55% chances of going through because this time around they're playing at the Olimpico. If you have Mourinho sitting on your bench, you're in good hands.

"Jose said it best last time around, 'The fans must use their hearts, whereas we must use our heads.' He's right. Leicester have struggled and have been less effective when playing away from home."

Ranieri's prediction came true as Tammy Abraham's early opener was enough for the Italians to progress past the Foxes as 2-1 winners on aggregate.

Source: Read Full Article