Luciano Spalletti has reaffirmed his commitment to Zenit St. Petersburg despite reported interest in the coach from Serie A clubs including AC Milan.
The Italian is dealing with internal feuding brought about by midfielder Igor Denisov, who was dropped to the reserves after issuing a pay rise ultimatum following the signings of Brazil forward Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel.
Interest in the 53-year-old has swelled since taking the Gazprom-backed side to consecutive Russian Premier League titles and the knockout stages of Champions League, a first for a Russian club.
"The talk last year was about my joining Milan or Juventus or Inter, but I said that I won't go to these clubs and I signed a new contract," said Spalletti, referring to the extension inked in February that keeps him at Petrovsky stadium until 2015.
"Now I say exactly the same thing. I want to assure you that this is the truth. I'm the coach of Zenit, especially at this time, a time of difficulty for the team. I will stay at this club and I will work here."
Spalletti insisted he would only depart the club under better circumstances.
"If I leave Zenit, then it will be only at a time when things are good for the club. Or, another scenario, if Zenit fire me. I love my players and I love Zenit."
The former AS Roma coach joined Zenit in 2009, taking over from Dick Advocaat.
