London, July 14 (IANS): Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has taken over as the manager of English Premier League side Leicester City.

The 63-year-old Italian has signed a three-year contract replacing Nigel Pearson, who was sacked on June 30, reports Xinhua.

"I have worked at many great clubs, in many top leagues, but since I left Chelsea I have dreamt of another chance to work in the best league in the world again," Ranieri said.

"I wish to thank the owner, his son and all the executives of the club for the opportunity they are giving me. Now I've only one way for returning their trust: squeeze all my energies to getting the best results for the team."

Ranieri joined Chelsea in September 2000 from Atletico Madrid and was replaced by Jose Mourinho after four years, during which they finished runners-up in the English Premier League, reached the Champions League semifinal and were FA Cup finalists.

He went on to manage Valencia, Parma, Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan and Monaco.

He took over as Greece coach after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but was fired four months later after a home defeat by the Faroe Islands.