Gennaro Gattuso named new Valencia coach
Former Italian star Gennaro Gattuso signs a two-season deal to coach Spanish football club Valencia.
Spanish football club Valencia CF announced on Thursday that it reached an agreement with Gennaro Gattuso, where the latter will become the club's new coach.
The 44-year-old, who last managed Napoli, will replace Jose Bordalas who was sacked by the La Liga side last week.
The Italian has also managed AC Milan - where he played as a midfielder for 13 years - and won the Italian Cup with Napoli in 2020.
✍️ Gennaro Gattuso#BenvingutGattuso#ADNVCF 🦇 #ElCORdelVCF pic.twitter.com/JFX9PlEsyD
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) June 9, 2022
"For me, football is passion, respect for the game, and love for the ball," Gattuso said in a video posted by Valencia on social media.
"I know what it is to be afraid of Valencia. I have seen great teams fall in this (Mestalla) stadium, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary this season," he expressed.
Valencianistas, let's experience this season with passion!
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) June 9, 2022
👋🏽 🇮🇹 Valencia CF fans, I am here❗#VCFDNA 🦇#ElCORdelVCF pic.twitter.com/9RbzgC8sSp
Gattuso has only signed a deal for the next two seasons.
He will be the 10th coach to take charge of Valencia since controversial owner Peter Lim bought the club eight years ago.
Valencia finished ninth in La Liga last season and lost the Copa del Rey final to Real Betis on penalties.