Former West Ham player Paolo Di Canio has revealed that he has rejected a lucrative offer to return to the game, it has been reported.
The controversial Italian, who became a cult hero in the east end of London after making 118 appearances for our Hammers and becoming our club’s record Premier League goalscorer – which was later taken over by Michail Antonio in 2021 – has been out of management since leaving Sunderland in 2013.
Prior to taking over as manager, Di Canio had a playing career that was anything but boring, from incredible skills to pushing a referee, scoring a winner at Old Trafford, demanding to be substituted, and scoring one of the best Premier League goals in history – it was a roller coaster ride that many Irons fans will remember fondly.
Since retiring, Di Canio has taken his passionate and headline-grabbing demeanor into management, with stints at both Swindon Town and Sunderland, demonstrating his determination to win with unforgettable moments of the former striker not disguising his emotions on the touchline.
However, it has been ten years since Di Canio last played, with numerous reports linking him with a return, including a move to West Ham – none of which have come to fruition.
According to London World, Di Canio is still considering his choices and is particular about his future job, even saying that he rejected down a rich offer to work alongside former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini.
“I didn’t just say no to oil money, because it would have been an important experience in an environment that wants to grow and establish itself, like I do myself,” Di Canio stated in a press release.
