Rio de Janeiro, Nov 27: Clarence Seedorf has denied reports linking him to the AC Milan coaching job.
The 37-year-old, currently playing at Botafogo after ending a decade-long spell at the San Siro in June last year, insisted his priority is to help the Brazilian club qualify for next year’s Copa Libertadores, reported Xinhua.
“There has been a lot of talk and for me it would be great (to be coach Milan), but I don’t want to say anything about the future because it takes away the focus,” Seedorf said during an interview on Brazilian television Tuesday.
Seedorf has repeatedly been linked to Milan’s managerial post, having made clear his aim to coach when his playing career ends.
The Rossoneri’s current manager, Massimiliano Allegri, has come under increasing pressure following a poor start to the Italian Serie A season.
A 1-1 draw with Genoa last Saturday left the team 13th in the league standings with just 14 points from 13 matches.
Seedorf admitted he is relishing the chance to help Botafogo qualify for South America’s elite club competition for the first time since 1996.
The Rio de Janeiro side is currently fifth in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings, one point from the prized fourth spot that would guarantee them a Libertadores berth.
“We have two games to play to achieve an important objective,” the former Dutch international midfielder said.
“My focus is on those two matches. We have shown that we are going to fight until the end. We have shown character and now it depends on us.”
Seedorf’s playing contract with Botafogo ends in June next year, just before the World Cup.
He is currently in the final stage of a course to obtain his UEFA-approved coaching license.
