Former AC Milan and Celtic striker Paolo Di Canio reportedly turned down the chance to become Celtic manager, according to his former assistant manager.

The Italian, who has spent some time in the UK as a manager with the likes of Swindon Town and Sunderland, was supposedly part of the running to replace ex Celtic boss Neil Lennon in 2014, making himself available for the job.

Of course, Ronny Deila went on to be the man leading the Hoops. However, according to Di Canio’s former assistant manager Fabrizio Piccareta, an offer was made to the controversial ex-striker, who turned down the chance due to the conditions, which meant he would have to work with the coaching staff already at the club.

“Paolo is a man who simply does not compromise. Let me give you an example,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.

“After we left Sunderland, he received a firm proposal from Celtic, and he was offered the manager’s job.

“But Celtic insisted they keep the staff that was there in place already in Glasgow.

“In order not to abandon me and the staff he worked with previously, Paolo refused the job offer.

“That speaks volumes about the man, and it shows the human depth of the person.

“He now enjoys his work on TV as a pundit, and I think he will continue along that path.”

Some Celtic fans will remember Di Canio from his time in Glasgow under former boss Tommy Burns and was also part of the ‘Three Amigos’ strikeforce during that time.

Looking back on that spell during 2014-2016 when Deila was in charge, it was far from a perfect time in terms of the managerial position.

However, I think it’s fair to say the majority are glad it wasn’t Di Canio who stepped into the role, given his controversial past.

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