Ranieri appointed Nantes manager

Claudio Ranieri has returned to management in France

Former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has agreed a two-year deal to manage Ligue 1 side Nantes.

The Italian, who led the Foxes to the Premier League title in 2016, has been without a club since being sacked by the Foxes in February.

“FC Nantes is pleased to announce the arrival of Claudio Ranieri at the head of his professional group,” a statement on the club’s official website said.

Ranieri had to be granted approval from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to manage Nantes due to him being at the 65-year age limit.

The much-travelled coach lists Monaco, Juventus and Chelsea among his former clubs and replaces Sergio Conceicao, who recently took charge at Porto.

The Italian led Leicester to the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season

“At 65 years old, the former defender has a very good experience as a coach – and an impressive record – at the highest level,” the statement added.

Ranieri was sacked by Leicester less than a year after their incredible run to the Premier League title, with the Foxes hovering just above the relegation zone.

Nantes, who have won the French title eight times, finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season.