Sports

Allegri says he turned down Real Madrid twice

Rome, Jul 27 (EFE).- Massimiliano Allegri, who was unveiled as Juventus’ new coach on Tuesday, said he turned down two offers to coach Spanish giants Real Madrid.

“I have to thank Madrid and the president (Florentino Perez) for the opportunity they gave me. Then I reflected and chose Juventus,” Allegri said during a press conference on his return to the club he managed from 2014 to 2019.

“It was a gesture of love for a club that gave me a lot and that I enjoy managing,” the coach added.

Allegri, who had been out of a job since his first spell at ‘la Vecchia Signora’ (‘the Old Lady’) ended in 2019, was one of the candidates to take over at Real Madrid before the Spanish powerhouse appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their new coach for the second time.

The 53-year-old, who has re-joined Juventus on a four-year contract, said that he will be counting on Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he coached in the 2018-2019 season.

The Portuguese star, who led the scoring charts in Serie A last season, has been linked with a move away from Allianz Stadium.

“Ronaldo is a great champion, an extraordinary, very intelligent player,” the coach said.

“I spoke with Cristiano, I told him that this year is important, that I am happy to see him and that he has more responsibility compared to three years ago,” he added.

During his first five-year term, Allegri won five consecutive Serie A titles, four consecutive Coppa Italia trophies and reached two Champions League titles. EFE

am/ta/ks

Related Articles

Back to top button