Corinthians legend Alessandro shuts door on football return | OneFootball

Alessandro, the former Corinthians captain and twice club football director, has signaled that a return to football management is not in his immediate plans, according to UOL. Speaking after featuring in the anniversary legends match between Corinthians and Boca Juniors at the renovated Pacaembu, Alessandro made it clear that recent approaches have not tempted him back to the professional game.

"There haven't been any offers—just a few enquiries," Alessandro explained when questioned about his future. "People reach out to check availability, but there’s been nothing concrete. Honestly, I'm not thinking about working in football again right now." He described this stage of his life as a conscious departure from the day-to-day intensity of professional football, emphasizing his current focus on family and a new rhythm in his hometown. "Any offer that comes, I’ll appreciate it, but the chance is zero," he said, effectively shutting the door on potential returns in the short term.

Alessandro's administrative résumé at Corinthians is considerable. After ending his playing career, he quickly transitioned into football management, serving as club coordinator from 2014 to 2016 and then as general manager through 2019. His leadership coincided with some of the most successful years in recent Timão history, contributing to Brazilian league titles in 2015 and 2017 and two Paulista championships. After a short study and upskilling period—during which he turned down an offer from Flamengo—he resumed as Corinthians' football director in 2021 before stepping down at the end of Duilio Monteiro Alves’s mandate in December 2023.

Renowned as captain for Corinthians' historic 2012 Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup victories, Alessandro has always enjoyed strong support from the fanbase. However, he resists the "idol" label, preferring to frame his legacy in terms of respect between himself and the supporters: "I've had a very special playing career, with many achievements. I admire and thank the fans for their recognition, but I’ll never consider myself an idol. For me, to be an idol requires different attributes. What I always hope for is admiration and respect, which is what I have for our supporters."

During his six seasons wearing the Corinthians shirt, Alessandro made 258 appearances and lifted eight major trophies, including the Série B title in 2008, the Copa do Brasil in 2009, and Recopa Sudamericana in 2013.

Currently, Corinthians are charting a new course under manager Dorival Júnior, focusing on youth integration and making targeted, budget-conscious moves in the transfer market, as reported in Globo and other sources. For Alessandro, though, the next chapter is one of personal renewal away from the pitch, maintaining his ties to the club's history without the pressure and scrutiny of a formal position.

(Source: UOL)

Photo by Sydney Seshibedi Gallo Images/Getty Images