Fabio Cannavaro opens up on pride at being considered for Everton and Watford jobs

Fabio Cannavaro has revealed that he was in the running for both the Everton and Watford managerial jobs last month – with the Italian keen to find the ‘right club’ in England or elsewhere in Europe. 

Cannavaro is keen to cut his teeth within his home continent after prowling the touchline in China and Saudi Arabia for almost seven years.

And now Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning captain haCs explained that his pedigree saw him considered for the Everton and Watford roles that are now occupied by Frank Lampard and Roy Hodgson.

Frank Lampard (left) is now the Everton boss, while Roy Hodgson is in charge of Watford

On the Everton job, the 48-year-old was interviewed for the position by majority owner Fahrad Moshiri but ultimately understands why he chose to appoint Lampard instead – someone who has been part of English football throughout his life.

‘I met the owner [Farhad Moshiri] and he was so clear with me,’ he told the Telegraph in an interview. ‘I explained to him my philosophy, my strategy. But of course it’s understandable when you have the opportunity to take Lampard who stays [in England], who knows better than me, maybe, the Premier League.’

Watford are on their third manager of the season having already sacked Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri before hiring Hodgson.

Cannavaro, who will be very familiar to the club’s Italian owners the Pozzo family, spoke with the Hornets hierarchy too but their need for a manager was pressing due to their plight in the Premier League.

Watford sit second bottom in the table and plumped for the experience of Hodgson to try to help avoid the drop, rather than gamble on Cannavaro.

Cannavaro is keen to manage in England or Europe – having coached in China and Saudi Arabia

‘They told me they wanted to find a coach in a few days and of course he is a coach with experience in the Premier League, he knows the players,’ Cannavaro continued.

Despite being overlooked for either role, the former Ballon d’Or winner knows it’s imperative that his first destination in Europe is one that is the right fit.

‘I know I cannot make a mistake now. I need to choose the right club – in England, Italy, Spain.

‘Now everyone wants to have big results in a short time so I need to be sure of the club.

‘Even if it’s a small club, I don’t care because I just want to be a coach so I can share my experience. I am really confident I can do a good job.’