Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he turned down a move to Juventus earlier this year.
The 71-year-old says he was sounded out about replacing Ciro Ferrera, who was sacked at the end of January after a poor run of results.
The Turin club appointed Alberto Zaccheroni until the end of the season.
"With a heavy heart I turned it down because it was impossible for me to be involved in a national team and club football," said Trapattoni.
"It would not have been a serious option," he told Italian television station Italia 1.
Trapattoni, who guided Juve for a total of 13 years over two spells, became Republic boss in 2008.
The Republic, who finished runners-up to Italy in their World Cup qualifying group, missed out on a place in South Africa in a controversial play-off against France last November.
Trapattoni is under contract with the Republic until the 2012 European Championships.
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