Claudio Ranieri Wants To Remain At Roma 'For A Long Time'

Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 by Goal.com

The 'Tinkerman' was only joking when he declared he wanted to be the successor to Marcello Lippi.

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has clarified the remark attributed to him regards to taking over the Italian national team once current tactician Marcello Lippi leaves.

The former Chelsea and Juventus boss said the whole situation was a joke, and that he got misinterpreted.

"The discussion on the national team was simply a joke taken out of context," the Tinkerman affirmed to ForzaRoma.info. "I am happy at Roma, working on an important project with the players, management and president.

"It was only until last week that when the Azzurri were mentioned, we only thought of De Rossi as possible Roma players to make the side. Now, we have three others: [forwards Francesco] Totti and [Luca] Toni, and midfielder [Simone] Perrotta.

"By all these names circulating - and mine as well - must mean that the project here at Roma must be working.

"I want to remain at the Giallorossi for a long time, serving the society well and seeing the project to its conclusion. Once this is achieved, then I can think about the Azzurri," added Ranieri.

The Lupi take on Siena this weekend.