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What's the story?
Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri believes it might have been better for Maurizio Sarri to continue his stay at Stamford Bridge after having commanded a decent run in his debut campaign at the club.
In case you didn't know...
Sarri bid farewell to the Blues on a high note as he led the side to the Europa League title with a win over London rivals Arsenal in Baku at the end of the season.
The Italian already secured Champions League football for Chelsea prior to their European glory after he guided the club to a third-place finish in the English top flight.
Despite his strained relationship with club fans, the 60-year-old managed to improve Chelsea's position, a feat which appears to have impressed Serie A champions Juventus.
The Old Lady recently announced Sarri as the man to replace Massimiliano Allegri as manager with a three-year contract set in place.
The heart of the matter
Palmieri, who reportedly had a bid from Juventus rejected recently, has rubbished the Italian links while addressing Sarri's departure.
Speaking on ESPN Brasil,
"We had a great season. For him, it was his first in England, in the Premier League, but we finished third, we won the Europa League and we reached the League Cup Final."
"I think he did a good job but maybe it’s like he said, that he wanted to return to Italy to be closer to his family."
"Perhaps it would’ve been better for him to stay. After a positive first season, the second could’ve been even better, but there are personal reasons that led him to return to Italy and then he went to a big club like Juve."
He added, "I’m happy here, I haven’t received any calls and I’m focused on Chelsea."
What's next?
Sarri is set to be officially unveiled as Juventus manager later today.
