LOUIS VAN GAAL has finally announced his retirement from coaching – citing “events in his family” as a big factor in his decision – turning down a £45million offer from Asia in the process.
The Dutchman, 65, who had a successful managerial career with five different clubs and two spells in charge of his country, announced at an awards ceremony on Monday that he will not return to coaching.
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In an interview as he received a lifetime achievement award in his homeland, he said: “I think I’ll retire. I actually wanted to quit after World Cup.
“After Manchester United, I thought I would stop, but then I later changed it to a smart sabbatical – but now I do not think I will return to coaching.”
He also cited “events in his family” which weighed heavy in the decision – and last month, the husband of one of his daughters died suddenly.
After he led Holland to third place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he nearly called it a day then – but was tempted back into management when Manchester United came calling.
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It was the first chance to work in the Premier League for a man who had won league titles in Holland, Germany and Barcelona – but it was a patchy two years characterised by mediocre performances domestically and in Europe.
Fans were not impressed by laborious football, and he was notriously prickly in press conferences – although he did win the FA Cup last season, beating Crystal Palace.
Van Gaal also revealed he was not swayed by the stacks of offers he received after leaving Old Trafford, reports Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
These including a huge bid from the Far East and rumours of a £45million contract for three years from an Arab nation – and when asked if they were true, he added: “That kind of money they do not pay it in the Middle East.
"But in China, they pay it. I could go there, but I am still here. So much has happened in my family, you become a human being again with your nose pressed to the facts."
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