Claudio Ranieri stepped down as Cagliari’s head coach after elevating Zambian striker Kingston Mutandwa and helping the team avoid relegation from the Italian Serie A.

Before quitting, the 2016 English Premier League winner with Leicester City ensured Mutandwa was promoted to the first team.

The 21-year-old striker was handed his debut appearance in the Italian Serie A by Ranieri in March in a 1-0 away win over Empoli after being subbed on in the 87th minute.

After the game, Ranieri said, “I like King; he’s young and never gives up. He has the right spirit and that’s why I threw him in.”

Mutandwa went on to make four appearances in Serie A, earning the Chibombo-born striker a senior national team call-up.

Ranieri left his position as Cagliari’s coach by mutual consent, the Serie A club said on Tuesday. This came after several local media speculated that the 72-year-old was set to retire from coaching.

“Mister Ranieri bids farewell to Cagliari. In his two spells with the club, he always managed to lead the team to achieve their original objective,” Cagliari said in a statement.

Cagliari’s away win against Sassuolo on Sunday secured their place in the Italian top division.

Ranieri had one year left on his contract after joining the club last season. He led them to promotion from Serie B.