Sacked Grant turned down director of football role

Avram Grant revealed he turned down the chance to return to his role as Chelsea’s director of football before being sacked by the Premier League club.

Grant was dismissed as manager by Blues owner Roman Abramovich last Saturday after Chelsea finished the season without silverware for the first time in four years.

The Israeli could have resumed the director of football post he held prior to Jose Mourinho’s exit last September, after which he took charge of first-team affairs.

But Grant did not believe that would have been the right career move. He hopes to land another manager’s job and Manchester City have already been linked with the 53-year-old.

“I understand the offer and why it was made but I thought that from my point of view it was not the correct move,” Grant said.

“What I discussed (privately) will stay private but let’s say that I saw that it was not a good move for me at this stage.”

Grant denied claims that he felt harshly treated by Abramovich and insisted he remains fond of the club.

“Roman (Abramovich) gave me the opportunity and what I had to say to him was that I love the club and now each of us goes his own way,” he said.

“It was a great time, I enjoyed very much to be at Chelsea, I breathed the club 24 hours a day during the time I was in charge.”