Aitor Karanka has turned down the chance to follow Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, the Portuguese manager has revealed.
The 50-year-old two-time Champions League winner left his role at the Bernabeu on Sunday and was confirmed as Chelsea’s latest manager on Monday afternoon.
Speaking to Spanish television show Punto Pelota, Mourinho said the pair had forged a close relationship while Karanka worked as his assistant and he was keen to take him to Stamford Bridge.
But while many of Mourinho’s backroom staff will follow him to London, Karanka has opted to remain with Los Blancos.
Mourinho said: “Aitor became one of us. He defended those working for us and the club. I wanted him to continue, but understand his decision.”
