Former Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he turned down four other offers before agreeing to become coach of the Republic of Ireland.

The 68-year-old will leave Austrian club Salzburg at the end of the season having agreed a two-year contract with Ireland starting on May 1.

"I received offers from other countries, there were three or four national teams," said Trapattoni to Italian TV channel GR Parlamento.

"They were better projects but more risky from a personal standpoint."

Trapattoni, who led Italy to both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, will succeed Steve Staunton, who was sacked after Ireland failed to reach Euro 2008.

Trapattoni, one of Europe's most successful coaches with a host of Serie A titles to his name with Juventus and Internazionale, is well aware of the challenge Ireland have to quality for the 2010 World Cup.

The Irish were drawn alongside defending champions Italy, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Cyprus and Georgia in their qualifying group.

"In order to qualify for the World Cup in 2010 we will have to do a great job," he said.

"To achieve qualification will be a great satisfaction for me and a great joy for Ireland."

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