Sven-Goran Eriksson will not quit as England manager despite reports linking him with Italy should Giovanni Trapattoni be sacked.
It is understood that Franco Carraro, president of the Italian Football Association, approached Eriksson at a function in Rome at the weekend, to discuss the possibility of him replacing Trapattoni whose position has been in jeopardy since Italy’s defeat to Wales last month.
With Eriksson’s position unclear following the resignation of Adam Crozier, a close ally at the English FA, the Swede took time while watching yesterday’s Premier League clash betwen Fulham and Arsenal, to clarify his position.
‘Everything around me may be changing but I’, staying the way I am,’ he said.
Eriksson’s agent Athole Still confirmed his client was happy to stay England boss.
Eriksson’s coach Steve McClaren also left his post with the national team last week leaving former Lazio boss more isolated at the FA, but Still was adamant that Eriksson was happy in his present role.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Nothing Mr Eriksson has said in the last few days, right up until the last time I spoke to him within the last 24 hours, gives me any indication that he is considering his position as the national coach.
‘He is a thorough professional and committed to doing well with the England team.
‘He believes he can do well with the England team, he believes they were very, very close at the World Cup and he has got the bite on what he wants to do with that team in the future.’
