Mauricio Pochettino struggled to hold back tears as he addressed his departure from the United States men’s national team following confirmation of his move to Manchester United.
The Argentine manager became visibly emotional during a press conference at the US Soccer Federation headquarters in Georgia, where he thanked the players, coaching staff and officials ahead of his exit.
Speaking alongside federation executives, Pochettino admitted that leaving the national team was one of the hardest decisions of his managerial career.
“I haven’t prepared a speech, I’m talking with my heart,” he said.
“It’s difficult for me to talk now because I am a very emotional guy.
“When these moments arrive, it is always tough. Normally it is the opposite – you have been sacked! You cry because you want to stay.
“I think it was one of the most difficult decisions of our career, but you have to move forward.”
Manchester United opportunity proved impossible to reject
The 54-year-old acknowledged that the opportunity to take charge of Manchester United played a major role in his decision to leave the United States.
Pochettino described the Old Trafford position as a dream opportunity, explaining that offers from clubs of United’s stature rarely come along during a manager’s career.
“Not too many opportunities can happen in your career with a side like Manchester United.
That is difficult to turn down when it arrives,” he said.
“In some part it’s a very sad decision, in another part we are professional and we are trying to make our dreams come true. We are excited for that step forward.”
Manchester United have confirmed that Pochettino has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract, making him the successor to Michael Carrick.
He is expected to begin his new role on Wednesday, November 18, after completing his remaining commitments with the US national team.
United made first contact on Sunday
Pochettino revealed that discussions about a possible move to Manchester United began on Sunday, shortly after the club’s 4-4 draw in Carrick’s final match as manager.
The result left United in the relegation zone, prompting the club to pursue a managerial change.
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Southampton manager said the negotiations developed rapidly, having arrived in the United States only days before the initial contact.
“I never said I wanted to go back in the Premier League,” he explained.
“All of this was so quick because we arrived here last Friday and on Sunday afternoon this type of situation started to appear.
There was some contact. When things became bigger, they are very sensitive.”
He added that the discussions were handled transparently with US Soccer officials, who understood the circumstances surrounding the offer.
Manchester United agree compensation deal with US Soccer
Manchester United are reportedly paying US Soccer more than £10million in compensation to secure the release of Pochettino and members of his coaching staff from their existing contracts.
The agreement also allows the Argentine to remain in charge of the United States for two additional matches before officially taking up his position at Old Trafford.
Pochettino is set to oversee the team’s Concacaf Nations League quarter-final fixtures against Haiti during the transition period.
He insisted that the arrangement would not affect his commitment to the national team before his departure.
“We were very transparent with the federation and they understand the situation.
The decision between US Soccer and Man United to agree to continue for these two games will not change our commitment,” he said.
He further explained that the decision involved all three parties and that he would have respected alternative arrangements had Manchester United requested different terms.
Pochettino’s first United match will be against Liverpool
Following his departure from international football, Pochettino will turn his attention to Manchester United’s immediate Premier League commitments.
His first match as manager is scheduled to be against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, November 22.
The appointment marks his return to English football after previous spells managing Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Carrick breaks silence after Manchester United dismissal
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has issued his first public statement since Manchester United confirmed his departure on Thursday.
The former midfielder spent 10 months in charge of the club before being dismissed following a difficult run of results.
In a statement shared on social media, Carrick reflected on the experience of managing the club he supported and thanked its supporters for their backing.
“I’ve had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love,” he wrote.
“There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.”
Carrick also praised the club’s supporters, acknowledging their continued encouragement despite the team’s recent struggles.
“I want to say a big thank-you to the supporters. I must say, you are a special, rare breed.
“I know we’ve not had the results lately, but you’ve shown me nothing but love and support in times when the easiest thing, and what most end up doing, would be to turn the other way.”
He concluded by crediting the supporters’ loyalty as one of the reasons he developed such a strong connection with Manchester United.
“That’s what makes you who you are. That’s why I fell in love with this club all those years ago.”
