Claudio Ranieri thanks Chelsea fans after Leicester draw on final day

Claudio Ranieri thanked Chelsea fans for their show of appreciation during the 1-1 draw with Leicester on the final day of the season.

The Premier League champions were given a guard of honour before kick-off and Ranieri, who spent four years at Stamford Bridge from 2000-2004, was warmly applauded as he emerged from the tunnel.

The Italian was also presented with a special award by former Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini.

"It was amazing, thank you," Ranieri told Sky Sports. "The emotion is fantastic. It was a good atmosphere and I want to say thank you to our fans and the Chelsea fans."

Leicester looked to be heading for only their fourth league defeat of the season after Cesc Fabregas' 66th-minute penalty put the hosts ahead.

But Danny Drinkwater scored a fine late equaliser to salvage a draw that sees the Foxes finish 10 points clear at the top of the table.

"It was important to finish well," said Ranieri. "We wanted to keep the clean sheet for Kasper (Schmeichel) but it was not possible.

"It was a good match, both teams had chances and well done to the players on a warm day. I am very proud. We are a unit, we play together, fight for each other, and that was our motive."

Asked about the celebratory plans for the evening, Ranieri said: "We have an invitation from the chairman and it will be a fantastic dinner."