Baresi quits Fulham post
Wednesday, 21 August 2002 12:56Franco Baresi has resigned from his position at Fulham. The former AC Milan and Italy star only arrived at Fulham this summer, but his stay has been tarnished with rumours of a power struggle between himself and manager Jean Tigana.
After protracted contract negotiations, chairman Mohammed Al Fayed appointed Baresi as director of football in June with an initial remit to cover scouting, recruitment of players, the academy and the development of women's football. However, before the month was out a complaint from Tigana that Baresi's job was contradicting his own contract, saw the 'director' position scrapped and the 1982 World Cup winner had since been working without a job title.
Fayed had hoped 42-year-old Baresi would both raise the profile of the club as well as use his contacts to help attract top internationals. However, despite Fulham's good start to the season which saw them record a resounding 4-1 opening win over Bolton at Loftus Road, all was obviously not well at the club. A statement from Baresi on Fulham's official website today read: "I have decided that it would be in my own professional interests, and also a sensible outcome for Fulham FC, to terminate our brief relationship. While all parties have worked constructively to develop our respective roles, I am disappointed that the nature of my position with Fulham was not as I had envisaged it when I was first approached. It makes sense to recognise this sooner rather than later, and particularly before I make commitments which involve not only myself but also my family. And a Fulham statement added: "Fulham Football Club thanks Franco Baresi for his efforts and wishes him well. It is hoped that there will be opportunities to work together in the future."
Filed by James Boylan
