Friday, 26th September, 2014
Nicola Salerno admits it was not easy turning down an offer from Serie A side Palermo in favour of becoming the sporting director at English side Leeds United.
The deal-maker left his post at Cagliari following the takeover of the club by Tommaso Giulini earlier this summer, choosing to then follow his former boss Massimo Cellino to his new club Leeds.
However, Salerno fielded a number of offers before he headed to Elland Road and one came from his long-time friend Maurizio Zamparini, owner of Palermo, who secured promotion to Serie A for this term.
The sporting director does not regret snubbing Palermo though, even if he will keep a close eye on the side's results over the course of the campaign.
"You can't go everywhere, you have to make choices", Salerno told Tutto Mercato.
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"Palermo is back in the square of top Italian football and undoubtedly it was not an easy decision.
"But I will follow the events at the Rosanero closely and wish the club well – both for the respect the club showed me and their consideration."
Palermo have made a slow start to life back in Serie A, taking just three points from their opening four Serie A games, while they are still awaiting their first win.
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