Craig Shakespeare has backed former club Leicester City to avoid a relegation fight this season in his first public statement since being sacked by the club.
As first revealed exclusively by Sportsmail, Shakespeare left Leicester on Tuesday, just four months and 10 games after signing a three-year contract at the King Power Stadium.
Shakespeare, who took over from title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri last season, also thanked Leicester's owners, players and supporters.
In a statement released through the League Manager's Association (LMA), he said: 'I would like to thank the owners and board of Leicester City for giving me the opportunity to manage this fantastic club.