Giovanni Branchini, the agent of Massimiliano Allegri, reflected on when the Juventus coach was just a step away from taking over Real Madrid back in 2021.
At the end of the 2020-21 season, Zinedine Zidane decided to leave his post as Los Blancos coach for the second time, forcing the Spanish giants to find an adequate replacement. At that time, Allegri was out of work, having left the Bianconeri two years prior in 2019.
In the end, Real Madrid ended up hiring Carlo Ancelotti after Allegri decided to return for his second spell at Juventus, a period that has had mixed results considering the various off-pitch issues, ranging from financial difficulties at a club level to lengthy player bans.
Speaking to Relevo via Calciomercato.com, Branchini explained why Allegri decided not to sign with Real Madrid in 2021, despite having an agreement in place.
“If he had signed, Allegri would’ve been the coach of Real Madrid. Everything was agreed, everything, everything. But in the end, with death in his heart, he decided not to do it. It was a painful act for both.
“He didn’t sign for another club that offered him more, but he chose to stay in Italy because two things coincided, a family issue and Juventus’ offer to return. The two things coincided and he chose not to leave Turin.”
He then revealed what happened next with Allegri and Real Madrid.
“I communicated the decision to José Angel Sanchez (general director, ed.), I always talk to him. He is the person I trust the most, despite knowing Florentino Perez. Even in these things you have to respect the roles.
“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’ve been a great professional satisfaction for me too, but the reason why he didn’t sign was so human and serious that we all had to accept it.”
Finally, Branchini spoke about Real Madrid’s decision to hire Ancelotti instead.
“Carlo has been a lifelong friend. At the time I brought him to Bayern Munich, but the relationship between Real Madrid and Ancelotti was so strong and direct that I didn’t intervene that time. They didn’t take Carlo straight away because Allegri was a total surprise.
“I think they weren’t prepared and needed a few days to decide what to do. Ancelotti would’ve stayed at Everton, but he paid a fee to be able to free himself.”