FORMER Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu has revealed how close he was to taking the Crystal Palace manager's job last year.
The Romanian, currently boss of Russian side Dinamo Moscow, held talks with Eagles supremo Steve Parish in November and a deal was rumoured to be imminent, before Petrescu turned down the job and attentions switched to Tony Pulis.
Speaking about last autumn's events, Petrescu this week told the BBC World Service: "I was very close but I have a contract and I have to respect that.
"Crystal Palace was a good opportunity for me and I hope there will be another opportunity to manage in England, especially in London."
The 46-year-old went on to say he'd one day like to manage former club Chelsea.
