MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI has revealed the reason he rejected Real Madrid’s approach to make him their new manager this summer as he opted to stay at Juventus.
Allegri explained that it was a matter of loyalty and his commitment to the Old Lady was too strong for him to be lured away by the European champions.
The Italian did admit that he felt honoured to have been approached but is confident he made the right decision in rejecting the opportunity.
Speaking to Stile Mese magazine, Allegri said: “I said ‘no’ to Real Madrid because I made a commitment with the president.
“Therefore, my maximum respect for Juventus and given word were why I rejected the call of Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world and the dream for every coach.
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“I’d be a hypocrite if I said I wasn’t honoured by their consideration, but I’m absolutely convinced that I made the right decision.
“Am I a ‘bandiera’ like Buffon or Del Piero? I absolutely don’t want to be equated with them because they’re players who wrote Juventus’ history, whereas I’ve only been here for four years.”
Real Madrid opted for former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui to replace Zinedine Zidane who quit unexpectedly after two-and-a-half years in charge.
Juventus, with new signing Cristiano Ronaldo, get their season underway with a visit to Chievo next Saturday as Allegri hopes to complete a Serie A and Coppa Italia double for the fifth successive year at the club.
The manager will be desperate to get his hands on the Champions League this season, though, after losing two of the previous four finals.