By Simon Austin

Ranieri was sacked after just eight months at Valencia

Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri says he is keen to return to the Premier League.

The Italian was sacked by Spanish side Valencia in February and is keen to return to management.

He told BBC Sport: "I like English football a lot and love the fans. I would like to come back, but it's important to seek the right project.

"I have had some interviews with clubs in other countries, but I have to wait for the right job."

Ranieri, 53, was sacked by Chelsea at the end of the 2003/2004 season after leading the Blues to second place in the Premiership and the semi-finals of the Champions League.

He then succeeded Rafael Benitez at Valencia, the Spanish champions, but things went badly and he was sacked after just eight months in the job.

The Italian has been out of football since then and is currently living in Rome, doing occasional media work.

He said: "I want to get back into football - it's my life.

"I know the Italian and Spanish leagues and the English Premiership very well so they would be the obvious places to go.

"At the moment I am watching matches all over Europe."