What happened. Paolo Maldini revealed that Pep Guardiola came close to accepting the Italy job, even writing down line-ups, but ultimately rejected it due to exhaustion.

Maldini met Guardiola in Barcelona for talks.
Guardiola had back surgery and wants to rest.
Italy appointed Roberto Mancini instead.

“Because of exhaustion. Guardiola is coming off 10 gruelling years in the Premier League.”
— Paolo Maldini

Guardiola will rest in Barcelona before deciding his next move, while Italy move on with Mancini.

In this story

Guardiola

D. Maldini

Read the full story at Daily Mail Football →

More to read

Football Italia

Maldini claims Guardiola was already drafting formations for Italy: ‘Money wasn’t an issue’

Football Italia

Today’s Papers: Maldini talks Guardiola and Ancelotti, Inter all in for Romero,

Football Italia

Maldini: ‘Economic aspect not relevant for Guardiola’ after €20m salary report

GiveMeSport

Sir Alex Ferguson Preferred Paolo Maldini Over Messi and Zidane

Football Italia

Maldini reveals all about his 17 days in the Italy set-up: ‘A shame, a real shame’

Daily Mail Football

Matheus Nunes opens up on Pep Guardiola's emotional Man City exit, adapting to his new role as a right back - and 'p***ing off' John Stones!

Guardiola rejected Italy job due to exhaustion, reveals Maldini | Goallivo