Tearful Pochettino says United job was ‘difficult to turn down’ in USMNT farewell

Coach was ‘transparent’ in dealings with club, federation
Pochettino had signed deal to stay with US through 2030

There were always going to be tears at Mauricio Pochettino’s news conference at US Soccer’s national training center on Friday. It was only a matter of when. Pochettino is famously emotional, and nobody in attendance had to wait long for the waterworks – they came during his introductory remarks, as he thanked the US Soccer executives flanking him for the opportunity to guide the US men. He grew emotional again as he addressed his impending departure for Manchester United, one announced just hours earlier.

“I think [the decision was],” Pochettino said, pausing to compose himself, “one of the most difficult decisions of our careers. Thank you guys. Thank you so much.”