Mancini Says He Turned Down Madrid

Roberto Mancini has let it be known that he passed on the opportunity to succeed Vicente Del Bosque at Real Madrid out of loyalty for Lazio.

"The possibility did exist but I had already given my word to Lazio," 'Mancio' revealed to 'La Repubblica'. "Nobody could reject the Real job but I had already committed myself to Lazio as I believe in the new project that we have in place here."

"To be linked with such a prestigious club, and to know that Florentino Perez is looking at you, is a real honour," concluded the stylish tactician, who has fast become one of the world's more respected coaches since starting his managerial career with Fiorentina a couple of years ago.