Gennaro Gattuso has resigned from his position as coach of Greek club OFI Crete for the second time, although this time he says there will be no going back.
The Italian World Cup winner from 2006 says he "cannot go on any longer" amid a financial crisis at the club which already forced him to tender his resignation in October only to be convinced to remain in charge by the club's fans.
This time, however, nothing will alter the former Palermo and Sion coach's decision.
"On the Monday after Christmas, many players did not even turn up to training and many others expressed they had the same intention if they were not guaranteed they would be paid," Gattuso said in a statement published by the Italian media, including La Stampa.
"This situation, combined with a partial transfer ban in January, the risk of a points deduction and the constant discovery of new and old debts makes it objectively impossible for a coach and his staff to work with the seriousness and serenity they require.
"I'm very sorry for the people of Crete who do not deserve this, and for the island where I and my family and staff were very happy.
"I've fought for OFI with all of my strength, even economically: not only have I not received all of my salary, but I have also paid some of the club's expenses out of my own pocket. However, this is not the point. I'm used to fighting, as all of my sporting career shows, and fighting for my shirt is a conviction I always intend to transmit to the players as coach.
"Sadly, this time I've been forced to surrender. The current situation is beyond my strength. Staying around without any real hope of avoiding a company and sporting disaster would have been shameful and disrespectful, particularly towards the people of Crete. I've realised all of my efforts are in vain. I wish OFI and their fans a more serene future and the best possible success."
