Betfair Official Blog

English Football League

New MK Dons manager Di Matteo says football is the fire inside him

Click here to view market

Football is in the Italian's blood and he wants to take MK Dons higher.

Roberto Di Matteo is fired up after his appointment as the new MK Dons manager and believes he can steer the club to success.

The Italian also denies that a lengthy absence away from the game since retiring as a player will hinder his career in management.

He said: "I never really left football. It is the fire that I have inside and football is in my blood. After talking with the chairman it (taking the job at MK Dons) was a very easy decision."

The ex-Chelsea player believes he has inherited a strong squad from predecessor Paul Ince and is aiming to build on the success of last season when the Dons won the League Two title.

He said: "There is a good team here already. We can build on that and keep momentum going. I would like to help the chairman take the club even higher."

Chairman Peter Winkelman is looking forward to working with his new appointment:

"I am very confident about the appointment and looking forward to what Roberto will be doing with the team."

MK Dons are currently [16.5] fourth favourites to win the League One title 2008/2009.