Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions keeping him at the club until 2020.

The Italian has agreed terms with the Foxes days before the start their first ever top-flight title defence, having guided his side to the Premier League last season, reports the Leicester City website.

Leicester vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha insists that what Ranieri has done for the club has gone beyond what the club had planed for the 2015-16 season.

‘Twelve months ago, we brought to Leicester City a man whose knowledge and experience, we felt, could lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan,’ Srivaddhanaprabha said.

‘What he would go on to help us achieve, in the time we have achieved it, has been beyond anything we could have anticipated.

‘I’m delighted that Claudio will continue to be part of that journey.’

The Italian manager insists that he was more than happen to commit his long term future to the Foxes and he believes that if his side continues to show the same determination in the 2016-17 season, they will be successful.

‘From the moment I talked to the owners about their vision for Leicester City, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of for a long time. I am very happy and proud that I will be part of it for years to come,’ Ranieri said.

‘Last season, that spirit and our hard work helped us to achieve something magical. If we can continue to work hard, maintain our passion and continue to fight with all our hearts, I am sure we can continue to be successful together.’

The Foxes begin the defence of their Premier League title when they take on newly promoted Hull City at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off has been set for 13:30.

Image: Leicester City