An emotional Massimiliano Allegri revealed the decision to end his successful five-year stint at Juventus was taken out of his hands.
Allegri briefly fought back tears as he fronted the media just over 24 hours on from the announcement that this season will be his last in charge of the Bianconeri.
The Italian confirmed president Andrea Agnelli opted to pursue a new direction following discussions between the pair and vice-president Pavel Nedved on Thursday.
Allegri guided Juve to the Serie A title last month, his fifth at the helm, but failed to translate domestic dominance into a Champions League triumph, most recently losing to Ajax in this year's quarter-finals.
"We had been talking a lot and discussing our thoughts about the future of Juventus and obviously the club made its own assessments and evaluations and realised it was suitable to find another coach instead of me," Allegri said.
"This doesn't change anything. It doesn't change the wonderful relationship I have with the president and the vice-president.
"We have grown a lot, we have grown together. I thought it was the right moment to leave each other.
"I'm convinced I'm leaving a club that is strong and solid with a wonderful group of players from a technical and personal point of view."
Read: Zidane not afraid to quit Madrid over squad interference
He added: "I read some things that were not correct, for example that I had asked for more years on my contract and a complete revolution. We didn't talk about that."
Speaking at the same news conference, Agnelli commended the former AC Milan boss on his achievements since succeeding Antonio Conte in 2014.
He described the decision to sanction Allegri's departure as the "most difficult" of his time with the Turin club, but stood by a call that seemed unlikely when, in April, he hinted at a possible contract renewal.
"At the end of several reflections and our analysis, we identified this as the best choice," Agnelli said.
"Of course it is the club that is responsible for the decision. It's not like Max could renew his contract on his own. These decisions are made by the club.
"Only the future will tell us if these decisions are the right one."
—Allegri backs Juventus to choose 'great' successor—
Allegri is confident Juventus will settle on a "great coach" as his successor at Allianz Stadium.
Lazio's Simone Inzaghi, France boss Didier Deschamps, Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri and the unemployed Antonio Conte are among the names linked to the post.
"I don't know who [will take over]," Allegri told Italian television programme Striscia la Notizia when asked about his potential replacement.
"Someone needs to sit on the bench. I don't know who, but they will choose a great coach because Juventus is a great club.
"It's been five wonderful years of love. For me, five years are so many!"
Allegri never failed to claim the Scudetto during his time in Turin but ultimately leaves unfulfilled in his bid for Champions League glory, losing in the final twice and exiting at the hands of Ajax this season.
The former Sassuolo, Cagliari and AC Milan coach is likely to attract strong interest in Italy and abroad, although he has only one destination lined up for now.
"I'm going home now, then I'll have a little break by the sea," he said.
Comments
SHARE