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REAL MADRID

Allegri: "Florentino called me but I declined his offer"

Juventus' coach told Sky Sport that Real Madrid's president called him to offer the post as Zidane's reoplacement but he politely turned the offer down.

ItaliaUpdate:
Allegri: "Florentino called me but I declined his offer"
REUTERSALBERTO LINGRIA

Before deciding on Julen Lopetegui, Florentino Pérez weighed up several different candidates for the coaching job at Real Madrid. Among them was Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. Speaking from his retreat in Livorno, the Italian coach revealed to Sky Sport that he was approached by Madrid but declined their offer, explained that his commitments with Juve prevent him from working elsewhere: “More than turning Madrid down, it was a question of saying yes to Juventus. I did speak to Florentino, but I turned the offer down. It was only fair that I stay where I am because it was a decision which I had already made; I had to respect which I had said to the club's directors without considering anything else. I am very grateful to president Pérez for giving me the opportunity”, Allegri explained.

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Juventus project constantly being developed

Allegri, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, explained the reasons behind his decision: “I'm staying [at Juventus] because it is a project which is renewed every year and every season is more competitive than the last. Juve is among the best clubs in the world and for me, it's a pleasure to work with Agnelli, Marotta, Paratici and Nedved”.

As for winning the Champions League, Juventus' main obsession, he added: “In the last 11 seasons we have beaten Madrid four times and Barça four times. Over the past four years, we have been the only team capable of eliminating Madrid. Winning the trophy is difficult, you need luck on your side, maybe next season could be our time”.

Allegri says he is not closing the door on Higuaín's possible departure: “Juve is strong enough to accommodate those who want to leave. Obliging players to stay does more harm than good”.