When reports from Brazil last week said national team manager Tite is in early talks to take charge of Arsenal, many people were taken by surprise.
Even though it’s well known that he has a strong relationship with Gunners’ director Edu Gaspar, it was weird to see the Premier League side negotiating with a new coach when Mikel Arteta is doing so well.
Now it seems Tite didn’t expect that either. At least that’s what he said in a press conference when asked about the rumour today.
“My feeling is of sadness. I feel sad. I am sad because the information given to the public is a lie. The information is a lie,” said Tite (via UOL).
“And the people I represent and feel identified with me, rest assured, because Tite has a personal conduct, values his professional activity and knows the responsibility of the Brazilian national team.”
The manager apologised, and claimed his agent is not responsible for the Arsenal rumours.
“Sorry, Arsenal, sorry, Arteta. It wasn’t that situation. It didn’t come from us. No, there is absolutely nothing. No person connected to me, Gilmar Veloz… “
“My word of honour is that there is no one, not even from me and Gilmar, who can talk about it. My wife, rest assured. Miro, my brothers, rest assured, your brother has dignity in what he does, I have great respect for being coach of the national team and for the competition, for the World Cup, which is what matters most.”
Tite, who took charge of the national team in 2016, has already announced he’s leaving the job at the end of the year, after the World Cup.
It’s been said last week that working in Europe is one of the objectives he has in mind, so it wouldn’t be strange to see the Arsenal rumours showing up again in the future.
