Fabio Capello’s career highlights

Million pound transfers, unexpected goals and mind-blowing penalties are all part of the beautiful game, but Fabio Capello’s resignation came as a shock to many football fans. The 65-year-old Italian quit as England manager after a row with the FA, and his abrupt decision has dominated the football news headlines since.

Despite his dramatic exit, however, Capello has enjoyed a long and successful football career. He’s performed both off and on the pitch – so let’s take a look at some of his best bits.

Club career

Like most football managers, Capello began his career as an enthusiastic player and soon became a respected midfielder. In 1997 he was signed by Roma where he won the Coppa Italia under Helenio Herrera. Capello was then signed by Juventus where he won the Serie A title three times before moving to AC Milan in 1980 with whom he won the title a fourth time.

International career

Capello scored eight goals in 32 games for Italy. He netted the winning goal against England on 14 November 1973 and helped his team beat the Three Lions for the first time in their history. Capello also scored against Poland during the 1974 World Cup and displayed his  attacking abilities from midfield. Despite his good form, manager EnzoBearzot left him out of the 1978 World Cup, encouraging him to take a different line in his career.

First spell at AC Milan

Capello landed his first coaching job with AC Milan in 1991 and stayed with the club until 1996. Under his leadership, Milan won 58 Serie A matches without defeat between 19 May 1991 and 21 March 1993 and were only beaten by Parma after a goal from Faustino Asprilla. Creating an impressive defence, Capello’s side continued to perform and eventually won the Champions League, beating Barcelona 4-0 in the final.

Coaching Roma

Following a short spell at Real Madrid and a return to AC Milan, Capello achievedhistorical football results with AS Roma, coaching his former club from 1999-2004. After signing Walter Samuel to strengthen the defence and landing striker Gabriel Batistuta, AS Roma went on to win the Italian title for the first time in 18 years. Capello eventually left the financially-strained Roma to join Juventus and then Real Madrid before being appointed England manager.

Manager of England

Fabio Capello was appointed the manager of England in December 2007 after the dismissal of Steve McClaren. After beating other managers such as José Mourinho, Marcello Lippi, and Martin O'Neill to the position, he had a lot to prove – but he didn’t disappoint. Capello’s England enjoyed considerable success – both home and away – and they qualified for the 2010 World Cup. Although the tournament went badly for the Three Lions, Capello later secured qualification for Euro 2012 and defeated Spain and Sweden at the end of 2011. Capello may have left England suddenly ahead of Euro 2012, but he’ll be a hard act to follow!