Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirms that the decision for him to leave came directly from the club and that he intends to move to a new team in 2019-20 season.
The official announcement came soon after Juve’s 3-1 victory over Napoli and was largely unexpected with Italian papers suggesting the decision came from club President Andrea Agnelli.
“It is a situation the club wanted and I have to adapt to their desires and ideas, out of my love for both the people and of Juventus itself,” Marotta told Rai 2 show 90 Minuto.
“I think it’s a bit much to say I was kicked out. I simply have to follow the company line. I am a company man, I understand and therefore it is only right that other people step forward. I am sure that I have given 100 per cent over these years of great success. I hope those who replace me do the same.
“It is painful, because the world of work and of sport are made up of sentiments. In these eight or nine years, I have fortunately experienced so many wonderful emotions.
“I believe that I accompanied President Agnelli on this journey and now he is able to be a protagonist in this sport at both national and international level.
“Juve represent one of the most unforgettable pages in the book of my life. The best memory was in Trieste, when we won the first Scudetto of the Agnelli era with Antonio Conte on the bench. It was such a strong feeling and so unpredictable, as with hard work and dedication, we wiped out the gap from the top clubs in one year.
“I can categorically deny that I will be a candidate for the FIGC, because that is not something I want to choose.
“I will not rule out joining another big club, as I am a man who spent the last 40 consecutive years in club football and it’s the first time I am taking a break during a season.
“I need to recharge, but I would like to begin 2019-20 at the helm of another team.
“I’d be happy if Juventus make it to the Champions League Final, as it’d be the fruits of not just my labour, but also of my collaborators Fabio Paratici and Pavel Nedved.
“If they get there on June 1, I’d be there cheering them on, simply as a fan.”
