Ranieri reveals 2017 targets after 'amazing year'

Claudio Ranieri had a 2016 to remember, with Leicester City winning the Premier League to shock the world.

But the Italian has different goals in mind for 2017, with the need to secure top-flight safety his main priority, while overcoming Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League would be a "dream".

Ranieri is in no doubt of the LaLiga side's strength, though, after they won three consecutive Europa League crowns since 2014.

"For the Champions League, a lot of people say, 'Oh, Sevilla. That's a good draw' - why do they say this?" the Foxes boss told Sky Sports.

"They won three titles in a row. Is not easy for us, but it is okay. It is a little dream.

"For the Premier League, you know me - 40 points. We must be safe and I hope the game against Stoke City was a change for us, so that we can start again now."

Ranieri confirmed 2016 ranks as his best year in football, but still fondly remembers his early days in coaching.

He added: "I have never won a title, and so for this reason [it] is the best.

"It never happened in my life before. The last seven or eight matches, after the true battle, the opponents would come to me and say, 'Try to win the league'. It was amazing. Amazing.

"But also I can't forget when I started, because I started like Jamie Vardy - Fleetwood Town, a non-league team, and slowly, slowly, I climbed all the categories. 

"And if after 30 years I win the title, that means I worked so hard, so for that reason I am very, very pleased."

Champions Leicester - who sit 15th, three points clear of the relegation zone - host Everton on Boxing Day, before playing at home to West Ham on December 31 in their final game of the year.