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Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri named as FIFA Coach of the Year

Claudio Ranieri was named FIFA Coach of the Year for 2016
Image: Claudio Ranieri was named FIFA Coach of the Year for 2016

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has been named as the Coach of the Year at the FIFA Football Awards in Zurich.

The Italian was up against Fernando Santos, who led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory in the summer, and Zinedine Zidane, who guided Real Madrid to the Champions League title last season.

However, the FIFA men's coach of the year award went to Ranieri after he led Leicester to the Premier League title last year.

Leicester celebrate winning the Premier League
Image: Leicester celebrate winning the Premier League

"What a fantastic evening for not only to be here with a lot of legends but to win as well," he said on stage at the ceremony.

"I'm crazy now! Very crazy. Thank you so much. I want to thank my wife, my agent and of course my players. Without them it's difficult for the manger to win something.

Ranieri was presented with the award by Diego Maradona
Image: Ranieri was presented with the award by Diego Maradona

"Also, the fans. What happened last season in England was amazing, something strange. The god of football said Leicester must win!

"Dani Alves said he could still do more at his age - my age is 65! I start now to make a manager."

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Kasper Schmeicel (right) was part of Claudio Ranieri's Premier League winning side last season
Image: Ranieri celebrates winning the Premier League with his Leicester players

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and title-winning midfielder N'Golo Kante, now of Chelsea, had been among the nominees for the FIFA Fifpro World11 but no Premier League players were selected, with Barcelona and Real Madrid dominating the final list.

The FIFA awards were introduced after the game's governing body split with France Football magazine and ended their association with the Ballon d'Or award.