- Roberto Di Matteo has been out of work since being axed by Aston Villa in 2016
- The Italian guided Chelsea to their first Champions League title in 2012
- Di Matteo has insisted he wants to return to management in Europe
- The 47-year-old claims he has received several offers but turned them all down
Roberto Di Matteo is open to a fresh challenge in Europe as the former Chelsea manager wants to return to management.
The 47-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Aston Villa last year with his career taking a slight dip after leading West Brom to the Premier League before leading Chelsea to their first Champions League in 2012.
Despite a bleak period at Villa Park in his last position over a year ago, lasting a mere 12 competitive games in charge, the Italian claims he has already turned down several offers.
Roberto Di Matteo has been out of work since being axed by Aston Villa after 12 games in 2016
‘You feel it after a while – you feel you want to have that fire in your belly again,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘I’m going to manage again, it’s just a question of time.
‘I’ve had loads of offers; in fact, the more you tell people you’re not really interested in a coaching position, the more offers you get it seems.’
Di Matteo guided Schalke 04 to a sixth-placed finish in Bundesliga before resigning in May 2015 amid a difference of opinion with club owners over plans for the new season.
Di Matteo insists he is ready to return to management claiming he wants that ‘fire’ in his belly
‘To be able to work in the Bundesliga with the quality of players – there are so many young players who actually have the opportunity to play in the first team – was great,’ Di Matteo added.
‘I speak a few languages and I’m always looking to learn and expand my horizons so I’m open-minded.’
But the former Schalke and Chelsea boss claims he is holding out after receiving several offers