The coach grew emotional at a Georgia news conference, calling the exit one of the toughest decisions of his career.
Mauricio Pochettino is done coaching the United States men's national team. The U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed Friday that he is leaving the post to take over at Manchester United.
Pochettino held back tears while addressing reporters, seated between U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone and CEO JT Batson at the federation's base in Georgia. He called the move one of the most difficult decisions of his career, thanking the federation for its trust and transparency throughout his tenure.
"It's a really difficult decision, but we need to move forward," Pochettino said. "You always were transparent and you always put the interests of the federation in front but always trying to build something together." He added that he and his staff learned a great deal from the country and its people during their time in charge.
The news conference doubled as a farewell tour, with Pochettino fighting emotion as he reflected on his run with the national team before shifting his attention to his new job at Old Trafford.