MANCHESTER UNITED ASSISTANT manager Rui Faria will depart his position at Old Trafford at the end of this season, the club have confirmed.
Faria has worked as the side’s assistant for the past two years and has worked with Jose Mourinho for over 17 years, but speaking on Saturday said the timing was right to depart.
“After a lot of consideration, and with a very heavy heart, I have decided the time is right for me to move on,” he said.
“I have had 17 years of incredible and unforgettable experiences. However, I have felt for some time that I would like to spend much more quality time with my family before pursuing any new challenge in my professional life.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the manager, Jose Mourinho, for the belief he had in me, all those years ago, when it all was just a student dream. I would like to thank him for the opportunity and confidence, for the knowledge and experience, but most importantly for his friendship.”
#MUFC announces that assistant manager Rui Faria is to leave the club at the end of the season. We wish him all the best for the future.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 12, 2018
Full details: https://t.co/Gq7SBxk2kR pic.twitter.com/HAVXwp0XdY
Mourinho acknowledged the 42-year-old’s loyalty during their time spent across Europe’s top clubs together.
“17 years… in Leiria, Porto, London, Milan, Madrid, London again and Manchester. Training, playing, travelling, studying, laughing and also a few tears of happiness,” said Mourinho.
“The kid is now a man. The intelligent student is now a football expert, ready for a successful career as a manager.
“I will miss my friend and that is the hardest thing for me, but his happiness is more important and, of course, I respect his decision, especially because I know that we will always be together. Be happy, brother!”
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