Blaise Matuidi confirms Massimiliano Allegri rejected Real Madrid | OneFootball

Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi has confirmed Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri turned down the opportunity to manage Real Madrid this summer.

Last week, Allegri told Sky Italia that he’d rejected offers to join both the European champions and Chelsea, with Madrid instead turning to Julen Lopetegui as their replacement for Zinedine Zidane.

“I spoke to the President [Florentino Pérez] once, and I said that out of respect for the President [Andrea Agnelli], to whom I’d given my word, and Juventus I’d be staying at Juventus.

“It was a decision I’d already taken, and even if other things can happen in life I’d say that I made the decision to stay at Juventus and respected what I’d said, without considering other options.

“I have to thank the Real Madrid President though, for giving me the chance to go there.”

And speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport this weekend, Matuidi is delighted by his manager’s decision to remain in Turin.

“Allegri showed his love for Juve by saying no to Real Madrid. It’s super for us to still be able to count on him,” said the Frenchman.

Juventus are expected to make a couple of exciting additions to their midfield soon, with Emre Can and CSKA Moscow’s Aleksandr Golovin both likely to join the Serie A champions in the coming days.

“I am happy he’s (Can) coming, because he has experience and quality,” added Matuidi.

“After all, he is a German international. We’ll welcome him with open arms, I know he’ll do very well with us.

“I saw the Russia game against Saudi Arabia and Golovin looked like a super player. I really liked his performance.

“I don’t know if he’ll come to Turin, because that’s not up to me, but I can say he looks an excellent prospect.”

However, the 31-year-old refused to be drawn on the rumours his compatriot Paul Pogba could be set for a return to Juventus this summer.

“Ah, you’d have to ask him about that,” he said.