Ranieri reveals Fiorentina interest

Claudio Ranieri has confirmed his interest in a return to Fiorentina, admitting that the club retain a special place in his heart.

The Roman was fired by Inter in March, having only been at the helm for six months, but has been heavily linked with Fiorentina following the recent dismissal of Delio Rossi after a touchline bust-up with forward Adem Ljajic.

Ranieri has revealed that he has not yet entered into serious negotiations with Fiorentina owners Diego and Andrea Della Valle but admitted that he is open to going back to the Artemio Franchi.

“The truth is that at the moment there has been only a little talk,” the former Chelsea boss told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I know that the Della Valle (brothers) want to do something important and so I asked to be able to meet with them. That’s it.

“I have received several offers and I will assess them all. But Fiorentina remain in my heart and one thing you can be sure of: I am as motivated as I was the day I assumed the responsibility of returning Fiorentina to Serie A and putting them back on the European stage.”

Ranieri took charge of Fiorentina in 1993, just after their relegation to Serie B, and led the club back into the top flight at the first attempt.