Football
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Ernesto Valverde 'cannot confirm' Barcelona interest as he exits Athletic

Ernesto Valverde has said he "cannot confirm" reports that he will become the next coach of Barcelona.

Less than 24 hours after Athletic Bilbao announced that Valverde would not continue for a fifth season in charge, the 53-year-old sat alongside Athletic president Josu Orrutia to explain his decision to leave.

Asked about Barcelona's reported interest in signing him, he said: "I cannot confirm it, I'm sorry."

Valverde is reported to be the leading candidate to succeed Luis Enrique after the Barca coach's decision to leave.

He said: "There is a lot of speculation regarding my future but, I have to say it clearly, I haven't committed myself to any team. I haven't spoken to any club.

"I do have an agent, and there are clubs that are interested in me. But this is my club, it was my duty to first say farewell to it before I go and consider something else."

Valverde, who played for Barcelona from 1988 until 1990, added that he would "evaluate my situation as soon as I walk out of this door."

He indicated that major clubs were interested, saying: "This is not the first time I've had offers from big clubs, our president knows that."

The coach said he had made his decision to leave Bilbao last year, saying: "When I first came here I thought I would only remain for two years.

"Four years later, I've realised that I've spent double the time I thought I would. It's a hard day for me [to leave], all that I've experienced here is incredible.

"But the decision to leave was taken a while back."

Valverde began his second spell in charge of Bilbao in 2013, and in 2015 led them to their first major trophy in more than three decades with a Spanish Super Cup victory over Barcelona.

Athletic finished seventh in La Liga this season and will play in next season's Europa League qualifying round if Barcelona beat Alaves in Saturday's Copa del Rey final.

"I feel my work here is done," Valverde said. "I think it's good to have movement in football, for someone new to come along and have fresh ideas."

He indicated that he could opt to take a sabbatical, adding: "Why not? I can do what I want."

Urrutia praised Valverde's work as "outstanding" and added: "His behaviour has been exemplary and I have to thank him for that."

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