Trapattoni: FAI deal completed yesterday

Giovanni Trapattoni told a Salzburg news conference today that the FAI approached him 10 days ago and that a deal become the Republic of Ireland’s new manager was agreed yesterday.

Trapattoni: FAI deal completed yesterday *

Giovanni Trapattoni told a Salzburg news conference today that the FAI approached him 10 days ago and that a deal become the new Republic of Ireland manager was agreed yesterday.

He will take up his new post at the end of the Austrian season, according to the Red Bull Salzburg website.

"Leaving the title as a farewell present to my Bulls is now my number one aim," said Trapattoni.

"This is the time in a year when football managers receive offers, and this is what has happened to me.

"In the last two weeks I received offers from various clubs, and about 10 days ago representatives of the Football Association of Ireland approached me. I found their offer very interesting.

"I am very comfortable here in Salzburg. We won the Austrian title last year and we have a great chance to win the title again this year again.

"But the opportunity to manage the Irish team would give me a lot more time to spend with my family.

"Yesterday, my lawyers in Milan and representatives of the FAI came come to an agreement and I accepted their offer."

It remains to be seen whether or not Trapattoni will be in charge in time for Ireland’s friendly against Serbia at Croke Park on May 24.

He will be installed before Ireland’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign begins with away matches against Georgia and Montenegro on September 6 and 10 respectively.

The former Italy coach, currently manager of the Austrian club, is expected to be confirmed as the successor to Steve Staunton after a Football Association of Ireland board meeting today.

Trapattoni, 68, is set to take on his new post after his current deal with Salzburg expires in May and he plans to bow out by guiding Red Bull to the league title.

Trapattoni, who managed Italy from 2000 to 2004, is believed to have agreed a two-year deal with the FAI who have been searching for a replacement for Staunton since his dismissal in October in the wake of a disappointing Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

FAI chief executive John Delaney confirmed earlier this week that one name had been endorsed by the selection panel and that a media conference would be held today.

Trapattoni brings with him bags of experience and an impressive track record with six Serie A titles with Juventus and one with Inter Milan to his name.

He also proved his ability to coach overseas by guiding Bayern Munich, Benfica and Salzburg to league titles.