Ranieri's plea for decision

Claudio Ranieri today urged Roman Abramovich to put him out of his misery by giving him a final decision on his future.

The Chelsea coach is back home in Rome after his side finished the season with a 1-0 win over Leeds.

His sacking has been common knowledge for some time but he will not be told until a successor is in place. Porto coach Jose Mourinho remains the number one choice but a deal cannot be completed until after their European Cup final in nine days time.

After showing remarkably dignity for the whole of the season, Ranieri is finally getting impatient.

The Italian, who has attracted interest from several clubs, including Tottenham, said: "I want to know as soon as possible. I've only had one question for my owner from the beginning, 'Tell me early, maybe two months before the end of the season'.

"I'm frustrated if I don't continue because an owner with a lot of money gives me a good opportunity to win something. It's the first time in my life that I've not known what's happening and the owner hasn't told me anything.

"I said to the players goodbye, I do not know what will happen. I will not go to the training ground this week, it's finished."

Ranieri will receive a £6million payoff-when he is sacked at the end of the month but not even such a huge sum can compensate for the disappointment of being unable to finish a job he begun so impressively this season.

After leading Chelsea to their best season in 49 years, that culminated in the twin firsts of a European Cup semifinal and a second place finish in the Premiership, he feels he deserves another stab at glory.

Ranieri said: "I understand Roman's point of view because he wants to win everything but football is not this way. The right way is to build, to look at what is wrong and to try and improve. Every year you have to add something to the puzzle. I knew very well that I only had one chance, one year, but think I've done a very good job.

"I've done what he asked me to do and what I asked of myself. It's not important to be rich or not rich, it doesn't change your life. It will change my life if I leave Chelsea."

Ranieri was moved by the rapturous send-off he received on Saturday, crying his eyes out as he left the field through a tunnel made by his players.

He added: "When my players clapped me and the fans shouted my name it was very emotional. I want to thank them for all their help and support throughout the season."

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