Claudio Ranieri, the former coach of Roma, expressed that he felt “lucky” to have seen the team rise up the Serie A standings last season, though he acknowledges that he still has many dreams yet to achieve.
In a press conference held in Rome on Saturday morning, just hours ahead of the anticipated Juventus-Roma matchup, he spoke with reporters.
One journalist pointed out that Ranieri has become a unifying figure for the Italian football community.
Ranieri: ‘My dreams have been fulfilled’
Claudio Ranieri watching the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan in Rome, Italy, on May 18, 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI
“Honestly, I only felt my heart race when I came to the Olimpico to see Roma play. As a fan, I often wondered if I would ever set foot on that pitch as a player,” Ranieri shared via TMW.
“My dreams have come true, and I am genuinely pleased with what I have accomplished. However, I still have many aspirations, and reaching them will require hard work.”
Ranieri took over as Roma’s coach in November 2024, succeeding Ivan Juric, and successfully guided the team toward the brink of Champions League qualification.
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Ranieri: ‘Lucky’ with Roma in 2024-25
epa12114563 Roma’s Gianluca Mancini celebrating with teammates and head coach Claudio Ranieri after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match against AC Milan on May 18, 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI
Ranieri has remained involved with the club as a Roma director and played a significant role in selecting Gian Piero Gasperini as his successor.
“I was fortunate to work with talented players and to have the support of at least 60,000 fans energizing us at every home match at the Olimpico. I mentioned this upon my arrival. We couldn’t have achieved this alone; the fans consistently inspired and encouraged us,” Ranieri concluded.