Leicester City have confirmed that the club has parted ways with Italian manager Claudio Ranieri following their poor form this season. 

Claudio, who was appointed City manager in July 2015, led the Foxes to the greatest triumph in the club’s 133-year existence last season when they were crowned Premier League champions.

However, the current form in the Premier League have placed the Club’s league status under threat and the Board reluctantly felt that a change of leadership was necessary for the good of the club.

City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha released a statement, which read:

‘This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make in nearly seven years since King Power took ownership of Leicester City.’

‘But we are duty-bound to put the Club’s long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be.

‘Claudio has brought outstanding qualities to his office. His skilful management, powers of motivation and measured approach have been reflective of the rich experience we always knew he would bring to Leicester City.

‘His warmth, charm and charisma have helped transform perceptions of the Club and develop its profile on a global scale. We will forever be grateful to him for what he has helped us to achieve.

‘It was never our expectation that the extraordinary feats of last season should be replicated this season. Indeed, survival in the Premier League was our first and only target at the start of the campaign.

‘But we are now faced with a fight to reach that objective and feel a change is necessary to maximise the opportunity presented by the final 13 games.’

Meanwhile, the Foxes assistant manager Craig Shakespeare and first team coach Mike Stowell are taking charge of the club until a new manager is appointed.

Assistant manager and first team coach Paolo Benetti and first team sport science and conditioning coach Andrea Azzalin have also parted ways with the club.

The Board will now begin the recruitment process and will make no further comment until that process is completed.

Leicester City will welcome Liverpool to the King Power Stadium next in the Premier League on Monday.

Kick-off has been set for 22:00.