giuliani continued to be the subject of internal discussions for the job through mid - week .
 
“ he is and continues to be a close personal friend and adviser .
 
story highlights he removed himself from consideration for a position last month he will stay on as a " vice chairman of the presidential transition team " ( cnn ) former new york city mayor rudy giuliani will not serve in donald trump 's incoming administration , the president - elect announced friday .
i will always be appreciative of his 247 dedication to our campaign after i won the primaries and for his extremely wise counsel , ” trump said in the statement .
rudy giuliani is an extraordinarily talented and patriotic american .
giuliani said secretary of state exxonmobil ceo rex tillerson has emerged as the leading contender for the job .
giuliani was being considered as trump 's possible pick for secretary of state -- one of the most important positions in a president 's cabinet .