Terry Venables has revealed that the chance to become the new manager of Leeds was too tempting to turn down.
Venables called time on his coaching career after a six-month spell in charge of Middlesbrough last year.
But he said the World Cup finals had inspired him to shelve his retirement plans and take up an 'irresistible' offer from Leeds.
"It has all happened so quickly. I had a call from Leeds at my home in Spain last Friday night when I was told they wanted to meet me.
"They came out to see me on Saturday when I met the chairman.
"We had two hours of talks and it was agreed I would become manager of Leeds United," said Venables.
"The whole business had been conducted like a whirlwind. It was irresistible.
"That's how it has seemed to me. I can hardly believe it has been finalised so quickly.
"If people are surprised about it then no more than myself. I simply didn't anticipate this outcome.
"I honestly felt I'd had enough of it all after Middlesbrough and that is why I was concentrating more and more on other aspects of my life."
Venables worked as a pundit for ITV during the World Cup and has been given their blessing to take the Elland Road job.
"The World Cup excited me so much. I really enjoyed it and I thought then that if something should crop up I might just take it," he added.
"What I didn't foresee was an appointment at Leeds United.
"I have an awful lot to sort out in the next couple of days but that will be fixed by Wednesday when I travel to Leeds.
"What surprises me most is how good I feel about taking on this job. I am excited by the thought of it, genuinely excited."
Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "I am highly delighted. Leeds United is a massive club which is now in the most capable hands.
"Terry's pedigree is second to none and I am confident in his ability to deliver unlimited success.
"In his vast experience he has coached at big-club level domestically and in Europe.
"Everybody you speak to in the game nominates him as the best coach and manager out there."
Ridsdale denied that the club had tried to secure the services of Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren after Celtic's Martin O'Neill had ruled himself out.
"It is untrue he (McClaren) turned down the job. It was never offered to him and the suggestion is grossly unfair on Terry," Ridsdale told the Yorkshire Evening Post newspaper.