Ranieri bids farewell

Chelsea 1-0 Leeds

Claudio Ranieri revealed how he said "goodbye" to his Chelsea players after their victory over Leeds - in case he does not get another chance to do so.

The Chelsea coach does not know if this was his final game in charge amid speculation that Porto coach Jose Mourinho is set to take over.

"I said goodbye just in case I don't have another opportunity," he said.

"When my players clapped me it was very emotional, and when the fans shouted my name."

Ranieri, whose players formed a guard of honour for him on the Stamford Bridge pitch after the game, added: "I wanted to say thank you very much to the fans for their support all season.

"And I am not surprised by the reception I got because they think it was my last match and they wanted to say goodbye.

"I don't know what is going to happen now. Now I can only pass the ball to Roman (Abramovich).

"It was important to try to do my best this season and I think I had a good chance to show what I can do.

"My plan was right, I have built the foundation and the spirit of the group and everything is right.

"Only an extraordinary Arsenal team finished in front of us and I think we can improve.

"It was a big step to try and close the gap between us and Arsenal and Manchester United and the gap has been closed.

"With or without me, Chelsea is a good team with character, and I am sad because I would like to enjoy another year to finish my job."