Louis van Gaal to retire after Manchester United

Louis van Gaal has no plans to manage another team when his spell with Manchester United comes to an end.

Van Gaal enjoyed tremendous success with Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich before guiding Netherlands to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.


Just days after the end of the tournament in Brazil, Van Gaal took over at Old Trafford and has almost completed the first year of his three-year deal at United.

Whether or not he will extend his contract beyond 2017 remains to be seen but the 63-year-old has confirmed he will retire from football when he leaves the club.

“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 told the Daily Telegraph.

“My wife wants to quit now already! 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.”

Despite spending £150million on players in the summer, it has been far from plain sailing for Van Gaal and he is under pressure to deliver a top four finish.

A much-improved performance against Tottenham has given fans plenty to smile about and the Dutchman is targeting a return to Champions League football next season.

“That’s our goal, yes, and it depends on how we end this season. We have to qualify for the Champions League and we have many tests next year,” he added.

“That also develops the level of your team, and of course how many players can come in to improve our selection.”

Credit: MIchelle/Setanta Sports


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