Fabio Cannavaro has confirmed that he was under consideration for the vacant manger position at Everton following the sacking of Rafa Benitez.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus defender revealed the he was interviewed by Blues majority owner Fahrad Moshiri but had no hard feelings about Frank Lampard eventually being offered the role.
Since retiring from his playing career, Cannavaro has been earning his stripes in management with a range of clubs in China and Saudi Arabia.
But the Italian World Cup-winning captain, who also won the Ballon d'Or in 2006, is keen to make an impact closer to home.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Cannavaro said: "I met the owner and he was so clear with me. I explained to him my philosophy, my strategy.
"But of course it's understandable when you have the opportunity to take Lampard who stays [in England], who knows better than me, maybe, the Premier League."
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Cannavaro also revealed that he was under consideration for the vacant hotseat at Vicarage Road after Watford sacked Xisco Munoz - a role eventually given to former Liverpool and England boss Roy Hodgson.
But despite failing to land either role, the 48-year-old recognised that his first move into European management needed to be carefully thought through.
He added: "I know I cannot make a mistake now. I need to choose the right club – in England, Italy, Spain.
"Now everyone wants to have big results in a short time so I need to be sure of the club.
"Even if it's a small club, I don't care because I just want to be a coach so I can share my experience. I am really confident I can do a good job."
