Christoph Freund has dramatically confirmed his intention to turn down interest from Chelsea and remain as Red Bull Salzburg sporting director.
Chelsea opened talks with the 45-year-old last month with the intention of appointing him as the club's sporting director – a role that co-owner Todd Boehly filled on an interim basis during the summer transfer window but had no intention of holding longer term.
Further productive discussions were held with Freund last week and, as a result, Chelsea expected him to arrive at the club ahead of the World Cup. However, no agreement was in place with Salzburg and the Austrian side's managing director, Stephan Reiter, stated on Sunday afternoon that he expected Freund to stay.
