epa12115307 Romas coach Claudio Ranieri greets supporters as he is honored after the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and AC Milan, in Rome, Italy, 18 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI
Claudio Ranieri gave an emotional speech on the pitch of the Stadio Olimpico in his final game as Roma coach. ‘I was there among you 60 years ago in those stands.’
The lifelong Giallorossi supporter from the Testaccio region of the Eternal City came out of retirement in November to help his beloved club, who were hovering just above the relegation zone and needing their third coach of the season.
He has taken them to fifth place and still with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, but he will retire this summer and was given a moving send-off at the Stadio Olimpico.
After the 3-1 victory over Milan, Ranieri was presented with gifts and took the microphone to speak to the crowd.
“Thank you to everyone. I was there among you 60 years ago in those stands. I asked you for help, now we need that final step.
“I am so proud of these lads. We needed your love. Thank you. I thank you infinitely.”
Ranieri was still feeling the emotion of the evening when he got to the DAZN post-match comments station.
“I am still feeling the adrenaline! When I watch this footage back, I will maybe feel even more touched. It is wonderful, because feeling appreciated by your own people is always something marvellous,” said the coach.
“We started out in a difficult situation, but the team never lost its way. I thank the players, because it was not at all easy in that situation, when everything seemed bleak. I am so happy for them, for the fans and for the President.”
The tribute started before kick-off, when the placards in the stands flipped to reveal a huge message thanking Ranieri to cover the entire Curva Sud.
“I was looking at the referee and urging him to get the game started,” confessed the veteran, who was fighting back tears at the time.
“I work for this, for the emotions that football can give you, both positive and negative.”
After Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric, Ranieri Absolutely Transformed Roma’s Campaign in Serie A, The Europa League and the Italian Cup.
“These lads stood with me from the first day, they know my character. I told them that they had to help me, because I couldn’t do it on my own.
“I put my faith in them, because when I arrived, their mood really was rock bottom and they had barely any self-esteem left. We slowly managed to climb that mountain.
“I tell my players to fight to the last second, because at least then you can leave the field knowing you gave it your all, then if the other team was better, you tip your hats to them. When you give your all, you can accept the result on the field.
“We put together a 19-match unbeaten run and it was really an important period.”
Roma remain in fifth place, so they need to both win their final match and hope that Juventus slip up. Does Ranieri still believe in the Champions League?
“I never believed in any target, I just believed in hard work and wiping your mind clean after a victory or defeat. There is always another game, another opponent and other dynamics. I believe in my players, Torino are a strong, vivacious team and we will go there to play our game, then see where we are at the end.”
