"?Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri described his first return to Stamford Bridge since being sacked by Chelsea way back in 2004 as one of his "best days", thanking the crowds for the reception and seeing his team finish the season a full 10 points clear of second best Arsenal.
"It was a warm welcome and I want to thank all Chelsea fans but also our fans too, who are fantastic for us. It was fantastic. I think it was one of my best days today," Ranieri told LCFC.co.uk after the game.
A guard of honour for Leicester and Claudio Ranieri. ? https://t.co/hxOgd7vtwN
The genial Italian and his plucky Foxes were given a guard of honour as they walked out on to the Stamford Bridge pitch as the Premier League champions. A magnanimous sign of respect fully deserved after an incredible few months.
Reflecting on the campaign as a whole, Ranieri added, "To finish with 10 points more than second was amazing and to finish with only three defeats was amazing. It's an unforgettable season."
The game against Chelsea itself ended in a stalemate, with Danny Drinkwater's spectacular low drive cancelling out an earlier penalty converted by Cesc Fabregas. Both sides had seen chances come their way throughout an Ranieri was pleased to see his team fight back from a goal down.
"It was a difficult match but we wanted to enjoy and wanted to win. It was difficult in the first half and Kasper Schmeichel made a very good save, " he explained.
"In the second half we played better and created chances. It was an open match. They scored a goal and it was a pity because we wanted to keep a clean sheet. It was important to get back and we drew the game with a fantastic goal from Drinkwater."
Leicester players are now set to embark on a post-season trip that will see them take in Las Vegas, before the hard work starts as defending champions in July.
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