Boro manager: Give me the job, says former Italy striker

Fabrizio Ravanelli wants to become Middlesbrough's next manager and has asked chairman Steve Gibson to call him.
Fabrizio Ravanelli is a former Middlesbrough favouriteFabrizio Ravanelli is a former Middlesbrough favourite
Fabrizio Ravanelli is a former Middlesbrough favourite

Gibson has yet to decide who will be in charge at the Riverside next season following Middlesbrough’s relegation from the Premier League.

Steve Agnew, who was appointed interim head coach after Aitor Karanka’s departure in March, has held discussions with Gibson about next season, but speculation persists that Garry Monk, who recently quit Leeds United, or Nigel Pearson, the former Hull City chief, could be appointed.

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But former Boro favourite Ravanelli believes he is the man to lead what he says has the potential to be a top-10 club in England.

“I was very disappointed to see Middlesbrough relegated, for the club, for the fans, for everybody,” said the former Italy striker. “But now it is important to start again. The club must show a lot of ambition because Middlesbrough has the potential to finish in the top 10 of the Premier League.

“I would love the opportunity to arrive for me to get the manager’s job at Middlesbrough.”

Ravanelli was a huge hit on Teesside after his shock move from then-European champions Juventus in July, 1996.

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The Italy striker scored 33 goals in 52 games as Boro reached the League Cup and FA Cup finals at Wembley, but the club’s relegation saw him join Marseille in September, 1997.

“Middlesbrough is in my heart every day,” said Ravanelli.

“It was a great experience in England, especially as I was one of the first Italians to play in the Premier League.

“I love the Middlesbrough fans, they are fantastic, and I hope one day it is special for me there again.”

Ravanelli started his coaching career with the Juventus youth team and spent two years at his former club.

He left Juventus in 2013 to take over at French outfit Ajaccio, but he lasted only five months and was sacked with the Corsican club second from bottom in Ligue 1.