“Why Should I Go to Saudi Arabia?” – Stayed in Ukraine Despite Conflict, 78-Year-Old Ditched Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr’s Offer to Coach

The Saudi Pro League is witnessing world-class players joining their ranks. After Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Al Nassr, the clubs have done a phenomenal job in the current transfer window. Be it players or coaches, it seems many are yearning to join the Saudi Pro League. However, one iconic manager denied the opportunity to coach CR7. After Rudi Garcia left the job last season, Dinko Jelicic took over for a brief period. And after that, Luis Castro stepped up and led the team to the AFC Champions League.

Previously, the club wanted to sign Mircea Lucescu, who coaches Ukrainian Premier League side Dynamo Kyiv. In a recent interview, he gave his side of the story, on why he preferred not to join forces with Ronaldo.

Romanian coach denies opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo

According to Flashscore, Lucescu detailed the offer he received from Al Nassr. In his interview, he stated, “Why should I go to Saudi Arabia? I had no interest in doing this. The world doesn’t really understand what I’m made of. I value the sentimental aspect and the responsibility much more than the financial interest,” at a time when most players are leaving for the Middle East. Lucescu continued, “I could go to Al Nassr, but I didn’t. I could go to Fenerbahçe and I said no.” He claimed of the other offers he received from soccer clubs across the world. 

The coach continued, “I have to finish what I have to do if I can, so I don’t have any regrets.” Earlier, the Chinese Super League followed similar types of investments. They offered monstrous wages and exorbitant sums of money to purchase players in a bid to place them among the top leagues in the world. But those ambitions failed miserably. Lucescu believes Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a similar approach. The Saudi soccer clubs are spending money lavishly on iconic players. 

READ MORE- Al Nassr 2023 Salary List After Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Alex Telles’ Arrival: Cristiano Ronaldo Tops the List

Take Al Nassr, for example. They have signed Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana, and Alex Telles to boost their squad. The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo in the country is second to none. He can attract those players. In fact, their rivals Al Hilal came up with their blockbuster signings by bringing in Neymar. However, Lucescu is passionate about Ukraine, and the current global tensions are another pointer for him to stay in the country. 

Mircea Lucescu opts to stay in Ukraine despite global tensions

According to Dynamo.Kiev.UA, Lucescu discussed the happy times he enjoyed in Ukraine. Previously, the coach was at the helm of Shakhtar Donetsk and amassed a remarkable number of accolades. He won the Ukrainian Premier League eight times, six Ukrainian cups, and one UEFA Cup. He discussed how it became mandatory for him to stay in Ukraine despite the ongoing tensions. 

Lucescu stated, “So I decided to stay when absolutely all the foreigners decided to leave. We lost 11 players then. I said I couldn’t leave. It is my duty to stay. I will stay here as long as I can, because I am 78 years old.” A man true to his word, Lucescu is one legend of the game who values the game more than anyone else. Do you think he made the right decision? Let us know in the comments. 

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