Cesare Prandelli has written a powerful letter following his resignation as Fiorentina manager.
In his letter, published to the club’s official website, Prandelli stated that he had been going through “a period of profound distress”.
The club announced on Tuesday that the 63-year-old had resigned from his position after four months in charge.
Fiorentina are currently in 14th place in Serie A.
Prandelli said: “I have been going through a period of profound distress which is preventing me from being who I really am.
“I began this experience with joy and love, spurred on by the enthusiasm of the new owners.
“It’s likely that my love for the city, and the memories of the great moments I’ve experienced here, made me blind to the early signs that something wasn’t right inside.
“My decision has been guided by the enormous responsibility I have towards the players, the club and – last but certainly not least – to the Fiorentina fans, for whom I have great respect.
“All players at this level have talent, and when you have talent you are perceptive – I wouldn’t want my distress to be picked up and affect the team’s performances.”
He continued: “Over the past few months, a dark cloud has developed inside of me, changing the way I see things.
“I came here to give 100%, but I now feel that this is no longer possible and I have decided to step back for the good of everyone involved.
“I’d like to thank Rocco Commisso and his wonderful family, Joe Barone and Daniele Prade, who have always been right behind the team and me.
“Most of all, though, I want to thank the people of Florence, who I know will understand.”
Prandelli also said that the Fiorentina role may be his last job in football, and added that the time had come to “rediscover my true self once again”.
“I’m aware this could be the end of my career as a coach, but I have no regrets and don’t wish to have any.
“The world I’ve been a part of for my whole life probably isn’t right for me anymore – I no longer see myself in it.
“I’ve certainly changed, but the world is moving faster than I thought too.
“That’s why I believe the time has come for me to stop being swept along, stop for a while and rediscover my true self once again.”
Prandelli’s storied career in management
Prandelli has held a host of top managerial roles within Italian football, including at Roma and Parma.
His spell at Fiorentina was his second stint in charge of the club, having also managed them between 2005 and 2010.
He has also coached Valencia and Galatasaray.
The Italian guided the Italy national team to the final of Euro 2012, where they lost 4-0 to Spain. It was the first major final they had reached since winning the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
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