Leicester City 'will pull away from its current Premier League position' says ex-manager Craig Shakespeare as he releases statement after Foxes sacking
- Craig Shakespeare has backed former club Leicester to avoid a relegation fight
- Shakespeare made his first public statement since being sacked by the Foxes
- He left Leicester four months and 10 games after signing a three-year contract
Craig Shakespeare has backed former club Leicester City to avoid a relegation fight this season in his first public statement since being sacked by the club.
As first revealed exclusively by Sportsmail, Shakespeare left Leicester on Tuesday, just four months and 10 games after signing a three-year contract at the King Power Stadium.
Shakespeare, who took over from title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri last season, also thanked Leicester's owners, players and supporters.
Craig Shakespeare has backed former club Leicester City to avoid a relegation fight
Shakespeare has made his first public statement since being sacked by the Foxes
In a statement released through the League Manager's Association (LMA), he said: 'I would like to thank the owners and board of Leicester City for giving me the opportunity to manage this fantastic club.
'My sincere thanks also to the players, who have always been a pleasure to work with. I have every confidence that, given time and once at full-strength, this squad will pull away from its current Premier League position and soon deliver the high levels of performance they have demonstrated over the past three seasons.
'I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my coaching staff and the staff throughout the club, who I thank for their hard work and support.
Shakespeare left Leicester just four months and 10 games after signing a three-year contract
Shakespeare, who took over from Claudio Ranieri last season, also thanked Leicester's owners
'I will always have such special memories, both on and off the pitch, from my two spells working for Leicester City. Memories which I have shared with the club's outstanding fans. I would like to thank each of them for their support, especially in the past six months as I have made the transition into management.
'Finally, I'd like to wish Leicester City every success for the future, as I move on to the next challenge in my career.'
Assistant Michael Appleton will take charge for Leicester's game at Swansea on Saturday as the hunt for a permanent replacement begins.
Shakespeare won his first six games to steer Leicester clear of relegation trouble and into the Champions League quarter-finals, but won just one in 10 so far this campaign to leave the club in the Premier League bottom three.
Most watched Sport videos
- Two Premier League stars have been ARRESTED
- Ryan Garcia spotted in Miami with model Grace Boor
- Sheffield United boss speaks after 4-2 loss to Manchester United
- See the moments that made Terry Hill a legendary footy larrikin
- Everton 2-0 Liverpool: Everton Boss Sean Dyche's press conference
- Mauricio Pochettino is 'disappointed' for Chelsea defeat to Arsenal
- Arsenal Manager Arteta reflects on 5-0 win against Chelsea
- Netflix teases Tom Brady's Greatest Roast of All Time comedy special
- Mike Tyson trains ahead of fight with Jake Paul
- Athletes shine on Laureus Awards red carpet in Madrid
- Carlos Tevez has been RUSHED to hospital
- Premier League stars arrested in rape probe have been 'suspended'