Walter Novellino has turned down the Cluj job just hours after a deal seemed imminent. “I don’t want to leave Italy.”
Walter Novellino has turned down the Cluj job just hours after a deal seemed imminent. “I don’t want to leave Italy.”
The former Torino and Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”30″>Sampdoria Coach had been in advanced negotiations with the Romanians, who are taking part in the Champions League, after Ioan Andone resigned earlier this week.
“Over the last few hours I have been torn on whether to accept or not, but at the end I decided to say no,” Novellino explained to TMW.
“It seemed to be all sorted out, but I don’t want to leave Italy. Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for such a big lifestyle choice.
“It meant leaving Perugia and my family behind, so I prefer to wait for an opportunity in Italy. I thank the Cluj directors, who are good people, and wish the club well.”
Novellino has been out of work since terminating his contract with Livorno in December 2011.
Other options for the Cluj bench include former Lazio” data-scaytid=”41″>Lazio boss Edy Reja, who also reportedly turned them down.