Ranieri to retire at 73, confession on new role: ‘Senior advisor to Roma, even though I don’t know what that is’

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 05: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on January 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Claudio Ranieri explains why he has decided to retire from coaching and admits he will become ‘a senior advisor to Roma, even though I am not entirely sure what that is.’

The 73-year-old had already hung up his whistle last summer after taking Cagliari to promotion from Serie B and then consolidating their top flight status, but was convinced to come out of retirement to help rescue his beloved Giallorossi on November 14, 2024.

It proved to be a transformative moment, as after Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric were sacked, Ranieri took them to 19 victories, seven draws and six defeats in all competition.

Ranieri maintains humility at Roma

“I don’t like these comparisons, because those who came before me tried to do their best,” Ranieri told reporters as he accepted the ‘Inside the Sport’ award at Coverciano.

“Perhaps the fact I arrived during a moment of great difficulty helped me. I just tried to make as few mistakes as possible, tried to be a credible figure, but at the end of the day, the players are the main protagonists.”

So how did the coach manage to transform the squad from chaos to a core unit?

“I don’t know… I didn’t study psychology, I just say what I think and speak to the players from the heart. I tell them what I feel.”

Despite players, directors and fans begging him to reconsider, Ranieri remains adamant he will retire at the end of the season and already has a new role lined up.

“It is only right that the youth step forward, because my time is over. Football has given me so much and I have been called to another challenge. I’ve given my all. Football is my life, but the moment comes to say enough is enough.

“I had said that at Cagliari with my heart and everyone believed me, including my wife, until Roma called… I really did hope that neither Cagliari nor Roma would call. I only said yes for one more year as a coach, then as senior advisor to Roma, even though I am not entirely sure what that is.”

Roma are trying to find a coach to replace Ranieri, so seeing as Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was also present at the awards ceremony, did they get the opportunity to chat about their future plans?

“No, but if I do, it will be in front of all of you!” he joked with the reporters.