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Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani pulled out of the secretary of state sweepstakes late last month, President-elect Donald Trump's transition team said late Friday, as Trump has widened his search to select the nation's top diplomat in the last week.

"Rudy Giuliani is an extraordinarily talented and patriotic American. I will always be appreciative of his 24/7 dedication to our campaign after I won the primaries and for his extremely wise counsel," Trump said in a written statement. "He is and continues to be a close personal friend, and as appropriate, I will call upon him for advice and can see an important place for him in the administration at a later date."

Giuliani had previously publicly campaigned for the post and it was not immediately clear why he had withdrawn. The transition team said that he withdrew on November 29.

Trump has considered a host of possibilities for secretary of state, widely seen as the most prominent cabinet position. Giuliani's chief rival at times was seen as former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who is still under consideration. Others who have interviewed include Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, retired Adm. James Stavridis, Sen. Bob Corker and former Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Giuliani did not just pull himself out of the running for secretary of the state but any position in the administration, the transition team said.

"Rudy would have been an outstanding member of the Cabinet in several roles, but I fully respect and understand his reasons for remaining in the private sector," said President-elect Trump.

Trump's incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus dismissed talk that Giuliani's business ties were the reason for his withdrawal. Priebus said he "was vetted by our team for any possible conflicts and passed with flying colors."

Giuliani himself said, "This is not about me; it is about what is best for the country and the new administration. Before I joined the campaign I was very involved and fulfilled by my work with my law firm and consulting firm, and I will continue that work with even more enthusiasm. From the vantage point of the private sector, I look forward to helping the President-elect in any way he deems necessary and appropriate."

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