Hiddink Reveals Ranieri Call Of Gratitude

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink revealed that Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri called to thank him after Chelsea drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur, thus giving Leicester City the Premier League title.


Goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in a frantic first half gave Spurs hope of a first victory at the home of their bitter rivals in 26 years, but Gary Cahill and substitute Eden Hazard struck after the break to complete a stirring Chelsea fightback in a match marred by numerous physical altercations.

The 2-2 draw ensured that Leicester sealed a stunning first Premier League title win with two matches to play, and after the match Hiddink said that an emotional Ranieri was quick to get in touch and pay tribute to the efforts of his former club.

"Just after the final whistle, a few minutes after the 'judo' [the mass brawl at full time], I got a call from Ranieri," Hiddink revealed. "He called and thanked us for what we did in the second half, and I congratulated him for being champion.

"I didn't see any tears because it wasn't a FaceTime conversation, but his voice was trembling a bit. He didn't say much -- 'Thanks' five times.

"Leicester deserve it. It might not be a surprise anymore but it's a shock for the established clubs that they did so well. You can be top by surprise after half a season, but they didn't implode. There was no tension when they started to smell the title and that's why I think they deserve it."