Kasper Schmeichel first Leicester player to break silence following Claudio Ranieri sacking

ByMichael Hincks

Updated 24/02/2017 at 21:47 GMT

Kasper Schmeichel has taken to Instagram to thank Claudio Ranieri after the Italian was sacked by Leicester City on Thursday night.

Ranieri guided Leicester to Premier League glory just nine months ago, but was dismissed with the club currently one point and one place above the relegation zone.

And goalkeeper Schmeichel has become the first Leicester player to break his silence following Ranieri’s shock departure.

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“I would like to thank Claudio for everything he's done for Leicester City Football Club, and for me personally,” Schmeichel said.

“He deserves massive respect and huge credit for what he achieved here with us. Thanks boss.”

It has been reported that Ranieri had lost the backing of the players prior to his departure, while Sky Sports News claims that the 65-year-old believes there was only an issue with one or two members of the squad.

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Schmeichel becomes the first player to lend his support to Ranieri – which in turn shows off his attempts to clear his name.

The identity of who led the rebellion against Ranieri will surely come out sooner rather than later, but it’s clear the Danish shotstopper is keen to wash his hands of any wrongdoing.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri lifts the trophy with Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Fuchs as they celebrate winning the Barclays Premier League

Image credit: Reuters

Don’t expect him to be the last player either – the culprits could soon be exposed if the others follow Schmeichel’s lead.

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