"Claudio, appointed City manager in July 2015, led the Foxes to the greatest triumph in the club's 133-year history last season, as we were crowned champions of England for the first time. His status as the most successful Leicester City manager of all time is without question.

"However, domestic results in the current campaign have placed the club's Premier League status under threat, and the board reluctantly feels that a change of leadership, while admittedly painful, is necessary in the club's greatest interest."

Leicester were favourites to be relegated upon Ranieri's appointment, having been involved in a relegation fight the season before under Nigel Pearson.

However, inspired by players including Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, Leicester went on to challenge at the top of the table, eventually seeing off Tottenham to the title.

But Leicester were unable to keep hold of Kante in the summer, with the midfielder leaving for Chelsea, while Vardy and Mahrez have struggled to replicate last season's form, contributing to Leicester's decline.

Leicester issued Ranieri a vote of confidence earlier this month, saying he had their "unwavering support," but vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said it was in the best interests of the club for the 65-year-old to be dismissed.

http://www.espnfc.us/leicester-city/story/3067466/claudio-ranieri-sacked-by-leicester-298-days-after-premier-league-title-win