For many people, the job of England manager has become a poisoned chalice but Fabio Capello insists his appointment is a 'dream come true'. And in his first interview since being named the successor to Steve McClaren, the Italian admitted he has been chasing the high-pressure role for a number of years.
The 61-year-old was handed the position after Jose Mourinho, Martin O'Neill, Sam Allardyce and Alan Curbishley all stated they were not interested in the job.
Capello, who has arrived in London for his first official press conference, said: "I accept this is a difficult challenge but this is what I love. For a long time now I have wanted to do something different – and I wanted this job specifically.
"It will be tough, simply because the pressure is enormous. Football in England is a religion. But it's a challenge I am ready and eager for. I will do everything I can to make the England team successful and I expect the players and everyone involved with the team to do the same.
"England is one of the great footballing countries and it was very disappointing that they didn't qualify for the European Championships. We now have to work very hard to be sure we qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I know there is a lot of expectation with the England team but I am prepared for that.
"There was big expectancy at the clubs I managed and I enjoy that challenge. I want a winning England team. I want the players to play for England the way they do for their clubs. I want them to have confidence on the pitch. They have to have belief in themselves and not be afraid of big games."
The former AC Milan, Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid coach also revealed he had contact with the FA prior to McClaren's appointment.
He added: "I had contact with the FA a few seasons ago but then, suddenly, the deal was off. This time too there were moments when I thought things might end the same way. But I consider this a great piece of good fortune that, instead, things have ended happily and successfully."
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has invited Capello for a chat to discuss the problems with English football.
He said: "There are some important weak points we have to correct in England. I don't want to come out with these now in public but if Fabio asks me I'll give him my opinion.
"After that he can do what he wants and he is big enough to have his own opinion. He has great experience, he's a strong man who will deal with the problems."
But Wenger also had a dig at the FA for not appointing an Englishman, adding: "The FA reproach me for not playing enough English players, then they take a foreign coach."
