Alberto Malesani revealed he rejected several foreign offers to take on the coaching job at Empoli this week.

Malesani has replaced Gigi Cagni, who was sacked on Sunday, and declared: "It didn't take long to reach an agreement with the club. It's not because I didn't have any other offers, as I received several proposals from overseas.

"It is just that I consider Empoli to be the ideal place for me to work and do my profession.

"What counts for me is not the prestige of a side, as I am interested in working in the right relaxed atmosphere. It is somewhere I can really get the most out of my creativity."

Meanwhile, President Fabrizio Corsi explained why he had decided to fire Cagni just 13 rounds into the campaign.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but necessary to shake up the squad. We chose Malesani because he is a Coach who really suits the needs of this club."