Claudio Ranieri has ended his silence following his sacking from Leicester City.

The Italian was sacked by Leicester on Thursday night, nine months after guiding the club to Premier League glory, with the Foxes sitting just one place and one point above the relegation zone.

"Yesterday my dream died," began the statement released to PA Sport

"After the euphoria of last season and being crowned Premier League champions, all I was dreaming of was staying at Leicester, the club I love for always. Sadly this was not to be."

"Mostly I have to thank Leicester City Football Club. The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever," continued the statement.

"No-one can ever take away what we achieved together and I hope you think about it and smile every day the way I always will.

"It was a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget. It's been a pleasure and an honour to be a champion with all of you."

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare has assumed control of first team affairs as the club began their search for a successor.

The Foxes welcome Liverpool to the King Power on Monday as they looked to halt their slide down the table.