Leicester City's new signing Nempalys Mendy is thrilled to have reunited with his former manager Claudio Ranieri.

Mendy, who joined the Foxes in a club-record £13million deal from Nice on Sunday, was hailed as 'the new Makelele' by Ranieri when the duo were together at French club Monaco.

Mendy, 24, told The Sun that he is delighted at the prospect to again play under the Italian in England: "I'm happy and relieved because it's a transfer that's lasted some time. I am happy it's finalised.

"I played for Mr Ranieri for a season. We were champions of Ligue 2 and went up to Ligue 1.

"When we were together at Monaco we spoke all the time.

"He gave me lots of advice. He was always behind me, supporting me. He wanted me to learn and to progress.

"The first time I saw Ranieri he called me "the new Makelele". He was laughing. He's a player I've always admired.

"I started as a more attacking player but eventually retreated on the pitch. It came naturally."