MAX ALLEGRI rejected the managerial jobs at Arsenal and Chelsea due to family problems, a friend revealed.
The former Juventus boss also turned down approaches from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Max Allegri turned down Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG as he dealt with family issuesCredit: Reuters
Allegri, 53, has been out of work since May 2019 when he left Juventus after securing a fifth Serie A title in a row.
And the Italian’s mentor Giovanni Galeone told Radio Kiss Kiss why he remains without a job – but revealed Allegri is now ready to get back into the game.
Galeone – whose own managerial career spanned 32 years and 16 teams – said: “The reason is simple: due to some serious family problems with his mother, he had to say no to major clubs.
“Max has said no to Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid. Now he wants to go back and he wants a first-class club. He also rejected PSG.
“He rejected Real because he had previously declined the clubs already mentioned. I said to him: ‘But how can you reject such an important club?’
“Max’s response surprised me: ‘I’m not a clown. If I said no to other clubs, I can’t accept another offer after only ten days, I’m not a clown.’
“Allegri is an honest man, a gentleman and a great professional.”
Chelsea were looking for Maurizio Sarri’s replacement in the summer of 2019 – with the Italian taking over from Allegri at Juventus – before appointing Frank Lampard while Mikel Arteta came in following Unai Emery’s dismissal at Arsenal at the end of the year.
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Real Madrid brought Zinedine Zidane back in March 2019 and the Frenchman remains in the Bernabeu dugout.
PSG had Thomas Tuchel in charge between August 2018 and his sacking in December with Mauricio Pochettino now at the club.
Now that Allegri is apparently itching to get back in the hot seat, speculation will no doubt rise surrounding his next club.
The former AC Milan boss will no doubt want a major European side while Napoli could be looking for a new boss if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and axe under-pressure Gennaro Gattuso.
Galeone added: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis loves Max very much and I know for sure there is mutual respect.
“It would be a great idea to have [ex-Napoli boss Rafa] Benitez as technical or general manager.
“The Napoli bench is an important bench and Max wants to return only to an important bench.”
The Gunners appointed Mikel Arteta as boss following Frank Lampard’s return to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Massimiliano Allegri shows off amazing skill on the touchline as Juventus beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
