Manchester United will be the last stop for Louis van Gaal’s traveling road show.
Van Gaal told the Telegraph on Thursday he plans to retire when he finishes his tenure as Manchester United’s manager. Van Gaal, 63, wants to spend more time with his wife and family and take up full-time residence at their current vacation home in Portugal.
“My wife wants to quit now already!” van Gaal said. “Five years ago! I’m not married to my job. Of course, I am 24 hours a manager, but I am also 24 hours a father of my children, grandfather of my grandchildren and I am always 24 hours lover of my wife. I am married to my profession, more than with her. I see my PA more than my wife.
“I have a paradise in Portugal. I want to quit to go there, play golf, eat fantastic food. There are very good wines in Portugal. There is the beach, the very beautiful weather. I don’t want to travel. I don’t like it. It’s better to sit down in my -– our –- paradise.
“I am also old. This is my last job. For sure. I have to pay attention to my kids, my grandchildren but also to my wife. They deserve it. Now I cannot pay that attention. I was not at the birthday of my grandson for example. I don’t like it.”
Van Gaal assumed the Manchester United’s manager’s role last summer, and the Red Devils remain a work-in-progress. Van Gaal is nearing the end of his first season in English soccer, but the Dutchman is excited about the challenge or returning the club to the highest level. He signed signed a three-year contract with the Red Devils and reportedly is interested in remaining in the dugout at what he calls “the biggest club in the world” until 2020.
Results will determine the length of van Gaal’s stay in Manchester, making it impossible to say exactly how long he has left in his managerial career. However, one thing is certain: clubs interested in van Gaal’s services shouldn’t bother calling him or his agent.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@itvfootball
