Juventus coach Max Allegri revealed he turned down Real Madrid in order to return to the Bianconeri last summer. The 54-year-old took a two year hiatus after leaving Juve in 2019 but was linked to a host of jobs.
Speaking to GQ magazine, Allegri explained that he had already signed with Spanish champions Real before making the choice to return to Juventus.
“It was the right time. I could have returned earlier, but I didn’t do it because of personal reasons.
My mother died in 2018, so I didn’t want to go too far away. I remained close to my son Giorgio and my father, who was severely affected by the death of my mum. He still lives in Livorno.
I decided to return to Juventus because I have a strong bond with the club and the owners, but also to stay closer to my son, who lives in Turin with his mother. I like to be close to my loved ones.
I had already signed with Real Madrid last summer, but I called the president to tell him that I would not go because I had chosen Juventus. He thanked me. When they called me in May, I had no doubts.
I have no regrets, it would have been a great professionally: Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid…but you can’t have everything in life. I am proud to have coached Milan for four years and to be at Juventus now. I rejected Real Madrid twice. The first time I was in talks to extend with Juventus. I told Florentino that I had already given my word to Agnelli.
Vlahovic? He is a young player with not much international experience. But he has quality. He wants and can improve. He has time to do it.
He is ruthless in front of the goal and Juventus made an important signing. He, Mbappé and Haaland are the best players of their generation.
Morata? I called him the night we signed Vlahovic to tell him: ‘You are going nowhere, with him, you will become even more important,’ and that’s what happened.
It’s crazy to question Morata. He can’t be at his best if he is asked to do things that he can’t. But he’s always been available playing in a position which is not exactly the best one for him.”
