Iconic soccer boss solely retired after his spouse threatened to ‘change the locks’

The former Italy coach and Republic of Ireland boss had to call time on his near-60 year footballing career after his wife Paola threatened to lock him out of the house

Giovanni Trapattoni, the veteran Italian football manager, walked away from football after nearly 60-years in the beautiful game.

Trapattoni, who celebrated his 86th birthday this week, played for AC Milan back in 1959 and went on to manage the Republic of Ireland national team until 2013, had to retire in 2016 after pressure from his wife, Paola.

Trapattoni has had numerous job offers from clubs in China and Africa, but his wife threatened to change the locks on their home if he took up any of them.

Speaking to Italian media, Trapattoni explained: “At 79 years old, the time has arrived to say ‘enough’ to the bench. Peacefully.

“Because football has given me so much. There could still be calls from national sides, but they would be far-flung countries,” reports the Irish Mirror.

“They wanted me to go to China and Africa. Too far. I have to be here, at home, with my family and grandkids. And my wife has told me: ‘If you go, I’m changing the locks and you’re not getting back in’.”

However, Paola couldn’t take all of football away from him: “I’ve stopped coaching, but I haven’t left football. At my age, I can no longer stay on the field every day.

“I could be tempted by a national side, because the role would not involve daily stress. But I have a thousand things to do and I would have to tour the world to watch the players to be called up. It’s too wasteful.”

The former Italy coach had an illustrious career, managing top teams and players. He will be remembered for his passion and dedication to the sport, and his decision to retire will be met with respect and admiration from the football community.

Trapattoni bid farewell to his role as Ireland’s manager after a loss to Austria dashed their hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

He hung up his boots in 1972 following a stellar career at AC Milan, where he clinched two Serie A titles and two European Cups. He then went on to secure Serie A victories as the manager of Inter and Juventus, Milan’s fiercest rivals.

His nearly four-decade-long managerial career also included stints with Italy, Fiorentina, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, and even the Vatican City’s football team.