Giovanni Branchini, the agent of Massimiliano Allegri, explained how his client turned down the chance to coach Real Madrid, in favour of returning to Juventus. Before returning to the Bianconeri, Allegri was on the verge of signing with the Spanish giants, but in the end, he backed out. Branchini recounted to Relevo some anecdotes from those days, with Florentino Perez being taken aback by the decision and ultimately turning to Carlo Ancelotti:
“If he had signed, Allegri would have been the coach of Real Madrid. Everything was agreed, everything, everything. But in the end, with a heavy heart, he decided not to do it. It was a painful act for both of us. He didn’t sign for another club that offered him more, but chose to stay in Italy because two things coincided: a family matter and Juventus’ proposal to return. The two things coincided, and he chose not to leave Turin.”
“I communicated the decision to José Angel Sanchez (general manager of the ‘merengues,’ editor’s note), I always talk to him. He is the person I trust the most, although I know Florentino Perez. Even in these matters, roles must be respected. If Florentino calls me, I turn to him; but if I call Real Madrid, I call José Angel. Real Madrid is a fantastic club, with incredible professionals. It was a dream for Allegri and, honestly, it would have been a great professional satisfaction for me too, but the reason he didn’t sign was so human and serious that we all had to accept it.”
“Carlo is a lifelong friend. I brought him to Bayern Munich at the time, but the relationship between Real Madrid and Ancelotti was so strong and direct that I didn’t intervene that time. They didn’t immediately take Carlo because Allegri was a total surprise. I think they weren’t prepared and needed a few days to decide what to do. Ancelotti would have stayed at Everton, but he paid a penalty to free himself.”
