Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal to retire in 2017 to spend time with wife
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hinted that he will leave the club in 2017, according to BBC Sport. The Dutchman said that he is planning to call time on his managerial career once his three-year contract at Old Trafford ends.
The 63-year-old has previously said that his stint in England would be the last and has once again reiterated his stance. Van Gaal also opened up on the matter, citing the desire to be with his wife as the main reason.
"I will give it up (in 2017)," the United manager told reporters. "I promised that to my wife. We have not many years together anymore. That is the reason.”
Van Gaal added that a promise made to his wife regarding the date of his retirement is long overdue.
"I have to admit I have said to her when I met her and our relationship seemed to be very good, that at 55 years I shall quit. I am still working and next week I am 64,” Van Gaal said, according to BBC Sport.
I’ve done everything in my career as a manager: Van Gaal
The Dutchman has enjoyed a long and illustrious career with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He started off at AZ Alkmaar before moving on to Ajax where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995. He later managed European heavyweights Barcelona and Bayern Munich with some success before returning to his homeland for a second spell with AZ.
Van Gaal also had two spells with the Netherlands national team as well, the latest running from 2012 to 2014. He opted for one final adventure in his long career after an approach from Machester United which handed him his first taste of English football.
He feels the time is right to quit as he has nothing left to prove.
"I have done everything in my career as a manager. The only wish was the Premier League. Now I am here,” Van Gaal said, as reported by the BBC Sport.
The Dutchman was not amused by the recent trend of footballers moving to countries like China, United States and the Middle East to make some quick bucks before hanging up their boots.
"So, I have to go to Qatar to earn still more money? I don't think so. You have to enjoy also your life and your relationship with your wife," Van Gaal said.