Giovanni Trapattoni plans to manage Ireland at the 2014 World Cup, so that the team can settle scores with a corrupt FIFA.
The aged Italian still holds a grudge with FIFA, insisting France’s jersey sponsor was the real reason for Ireland’s non-progress.
He also blasted football’s governing body over the decisions that cost Italy in the 2002 World Cup in South Korea, bringing up referee Byron Moreno’s arrest for alleged heroin smuggling in the United States.
“Adidas is French,” he said. “These competitions are very, very important for business. I know there is a lot of interest in this tournament [the World Cup], whether it is from the media, whether it is sponsors, whether it is business, whether it is money … there are other interests. There is too much interest. A colleague said to me after the Henry handball, ‘Giovanni, you know football.’
“When I was the Italian manager in Korea … it was not France but it was similar. If you want, I can show you the DVD of the Korean match at the World Cup. The referee from the Italy-Korea game was in prison, was he not?
“I achieved good results at club level with strong teams, but also with Uefa and Fifa … I have paid my dues and I am due something back. I am waiting for something back because of the experiences I have had.
“Obviously, I would be proud to continue because the next World Cup is in Brazil and Brazil is Pelé and, psychologically, it is a feeling you have about the game there. I know Pelé from years ago and I had good experiences against Brazil as a player and manager.
“Stay on in the job? Sure, why not? Why not? I am available. I don’t have to start again because now we have many options on the pitch. I think we have improved the team with the young players.”
Trapattoni will be 75-years of age come the next World Cup, while Kevin Kilbane, who will probably be starting left-back, will be 37.
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