Claudio Ranieri: Leicester manager sacking made Gary Lineker 'shed a tear'

Leicester's decision to sack Claudio Ranieri nine months after winning the Premier League made former Foxes striker Gary Lineker "shed a tear".

Ranieri guided Leicester to the title despite them being rated 5,000-1 shots at the start of the 2015-16 campaign.

The Foxes are 17th this season and lost to League One Millwall in the FA Cup.

"It is very sad," said Match of the Day presenter Lineker. "It is inexplicable to me. It's inexplicable to a lot football fans who love the game."

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, the 56-year-old added: "I suppose you can explain it in terms of a panic decision and for me a wrong decision.

"I shed a tear last night for Claudio, for football and for my club."

'A sign of modern football'

After news of the 65-year-old Italian's dismissal broke on Thursday, former England captain Lineker, who played for his hometown club for seven seasons, said the "game's gone" in a post on social media.

"It's a sign of modern football, what happened last season was truly extraordinary, " he added on Friday. "The lack of gratitude from the owners of the club and who knows who else involved in such a decision beggars belief.

"That season will remain with us forever, it was truly special and a lot of that was down to the management.

"The same guy cannot be considered incapable of doing the job a few months months later after achieving what, for me, was the biggest miracle in sport."

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, speaking on BT Sport, said: "I wasn't that surprised, but am disappointed. He has done an amazing job.

"When teams are down there now, with what's at stake, owners do make those changes and panic. I'm sad to see it. He can walk away and hold his head high."

Ex-England striker and Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright said the Leicester players may feel they are responsible for Ranieri's dismissal.

"Unfortunate news," Wright said on social media. "I wonder how I'd feel if I was a Leicester player right now? Could I have done more? At least Claudio left them as champions."

Former Wales striker and Match of the Day pundit John Hartson said: "Very hasty and very harsh. The owner/board are obviously having a major panic and feel a change in a relegation battle is needed.

"Will the sacking of Claudio Ranieri seem so mad if Leicester appoint a manager who keeps them in the Premier League?"

Former England striker Michael Owen said the sacking was a "total and utter disgrace". He added: "I've lost a lot of love for the beautiful game today. The players and fans of Leicester have been massively let down."