MIAMI — Mauricio Pochettino called the choice to leave the United States men's national team one of the most difficult of his career, becoming emotional in one of his final news conferences before taking over Manchester United.
Seated between U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone and JT Batson, the organization's CEO, Pochettino held back tears as he spoke about the trust and commitment the U.S. federation had shown to him and his staff.
"It's a really difficult decision, but we need to move forward. You always were transparent and you always put the interests of the federation in front but always trying to build something together," he said at a news conference at the federation's base in Georgia. "We really enjoyed it, learned a lot from you all,
from this country with amazing people.
"I think it was one of the most difficult decisions in our career."
Pochettino will lead the U.S. twice more, taking charge of both legs of a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti, the winner of which moves to the CNL Final Four in March and secures automatic qualification for the Gold Cup.
"It's true that it's not ideal, but it's never an ideal situation when these type of things happen," Pochettino said. "But, like in life, football moves so quick. Life, too, I think.That is why we need to move forward."
The 54-year-old declined to speak about what intrigues him about Manchester United, saying there would be plenty of time to speak about why he was interested in the Premier League job after the Americans' matches against Haiti.
But he did push back on the idea that he didn't intend to fulfill the four-year agreement he signed in August of this year to take the U.S. to the 2030 World Cup. He also seemingly alluded to the reported $10 million buyout clause, which Batson noted will be utilized in other U.S. Soccer programs.
"I never said I wanted (to go) back. I think they know not too many opportunities can happen in your career like a side like Manchester United. When that arrives, it’s difficult to turn down that situation," Pochettino said. "I think we were very committed and never think that it would happen (as) quick as it was but also wanted to help the federation to have the possibility not to suffer too much."
The U.S. meets Les Grenadiers in the first leg of a two-legged quarterfinal series on Nov. 14 at Nu Stadium in Miami before a Nov. 17 second leg in Cincinnati.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fighting tears, Pochettino says leaving USMNT is one of 'most difficult' decisions
