Valencia sign Ranieri for two years

Claudio Ranieri has signed a two-year deal with Valencia.

The Spanish champions said he has an option to extend his deal.

Ranieri, who left Chelsea after leading the club to second place in the Premiership and into the semi-finals of the Champions League, replaces Rafael Benitez who steered Valencia to the Primera Liga title and UEFA Cup glory this season.

"I am very happy,'' declared Ranieri, who has penned a three-year contract.

“When they called me up, I said I’d go swimming back. I have always had my heart here and the hope of returning, this is my home, I still have my (Valencia) ID card because I knew I’d be back one day.”

Ranieri faces a tough challenge after years of success since he left the club.

His replacement Hector Cuper led the club to two Champions League finals - both of which ended in defeat – and when he left Benitez arrived and won the 2002 Primera Liga as well as last season’s success.

Ranieri added: “I left Valencia at a good moment, then Hector Cuper came and worked very well while Benitez did a great job.

“It is hard to follow, but I accept the challenge. I like to work hard and I am certain to say I will continue that.

“Rafa Benitez put together a great squad and I know a lot of the players who were with me. I have a good relationship with the technical staff and I am happy with everything and certain we will work well.”

Ranieri will also have the responsibility of making his own signings after the departure of director of sport Garcia Pitarch. Interestingly, that was thought to be Benitez’s main gripe with the Valencia set-up.

Ranieri also expressed his confidence that his experience in England would help make Valencia even harder to beat.

He added: “I think there are three big leagues, Italy, Spain and England. Nothing is easy in any of them. They are all different as regards culture. For example, you don’t like Italian defensive style, but we think defence is important.

“The Spanish like spectacle and that’s good, while in England they are fighters, the ball is in the middle and you have to die on the pitch for it.

“I think my experience of the three is something I will try and give to my players.”