Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trapattoni reveals approach from Juventus

Pa
Wednesday 31 March 2010 10:23 BST
Comments

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he turned down a move to Juventus earlier this year.

The 71-year-old claims he was sounded out about replacing Ciro Ferrara, who was sacked at the end of January after a poor run of results, before the Turin club appointed Alberto Zaccheroni until the end of the season.

"With a heavy heart I turned it down because it was impossible for me to be involved in a national team and club football," Trapattoni told Italian television station Italia 1.

"It would not have been a serious option."

Trapattoni, who guided Juve for a total of 13 years over two spells, became Republic boss in 2008.

Ireland, who finished runners-up to Italy in their World Cup qualifying group, missed out on a place in South Africa in a play-off against France last November.

Trapattoni is under contract with Ireland until the 2012 European Championships.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in