Claudio Ranieri was close to joining Manchester City last season.

The ex-Chelsea boss was a target for former City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who contacted him before the start of the 2007-08 season.

However, Ranieri was not made a firm offer and he ended up at Juventus, whilst the Blues turned to Sven Goran Eriksson who only lasted a season.

"Thaksin Shinawatra wanted me and I spoke with him but every week he would say, 'Oh, it’s not possible now, you have to wait another week',” said Ranieri to the Daily Mail.

"Then, ‘you have to wait another week'. I am waiting, waiting. Then Juventus arrive and I have to say, 'I am sorry, I cannot say no to Juventus'. Juventus is one of the most famous teams in the world."