Lothar Matthaus has turned down the offer to become manager of Aston Villa. The former German midfield legend, who now coaches Rapid Vienna, had announced yesterday that he had been approached by the Birmingham club after the resignation of John Gregory.
Today, however, Matthaus told the Rheinishce Post that he has declined the offer. "I am flattered by the interest from Aston Villa, but I am under contract in Vienna until 2003. I am a man that keeps the word he gives. They asked me to consider a position with Villa, but I would like to finish what I have started,” he said.
Matthaus captained his country to World Cup victory in 1990 and was twice named World Footballer of the Year.
Filed by Tom Grealis
