Baghdad: Italian media reports revealed on Friday that Spaniard Pep Guardiola has declined the offer to coach the Italian national team.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the reports stated that Guardiola informed the Italian Football Federation that he was not prepared to coach the Azzurri at this time, apologizing for declining the offer presented by Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who are tasked with restructuring the team and selecting a new manager.

Guardiola was quoted as saying, "I am grateful for this honor, but I have no desire to undertake this experience at the moment." Guardiola boasts a career filled with titles and achievements with all the clubs he has managed: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

The 55-year-old left his position as manager of Manchester City after 10 years, during which he led them to 20 titles. The Spaniard justified his departure from the Citizens by stating his desire to take a break.

According to reports, Andrea Pirlo, currently managing the UAE club Al-Ittihad, has become the leading candidate to coach the Italian national team.