- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer detailed his return to football after Man United sacking
- A 50-year-old man revealed he recently turned down senior positions in Saudi Arabia
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ” Everything starts “
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his return to football after almost two years away in an interview with Athleticism.
The 50-year-old has spent time out of the spotlight since his dismissal as Manchester United manager in November 2021, although he has been linked with several returns to management during that period.
Earlier this month, he told Norwegian media that he turned down the opportunity to succeed Hege Riise as manager of the Norwegian women’s team because he was “not ready.”
However, the six-time Premier League winner has since revealed he has taken on a new role as a UEFA technical observer which will allow him to attend Champions League matches and provide reports throughout this season.
“I do a lot of coaching, four times a week, and we have three teams. I help children, who love it. You see another side of football, grassroots football – except here it’s just plastic pitches. You see the brightness in their eyes, they listen to you, they want to learn.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his return to football after being sacked by Manchester United in 2021
The 50-year-old has taken on the role of technical observer for UEFA, traveling to Champions League matches and providing reports.
Solskjaer has revealed he turned down several opportunities to join former Man United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
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“But you start to miss it (professional football) when you see the games, whether in person or on TV. Since leaving United, I have traveled as a fan with my children, going to places like Naples, Milan and Dortmund to watch matches. We loved it.
“My role at UEFA is to watch Champions League matches in person. I can look at the teams from a different perspective than a manager: analyze them, solve problems, see how the two teams will try to harm each other.
Solskjaer added that although he had received several offers to return to the team, including two from the Saudi Pro League, he was waiting for the right one, insisting that the “identity” of a club is important to him.
“I had offers. More recently, two from Saudi Arabia. My best friend, who is also my agent, reviews them. If you’ve managed Man United, you set your own criteria for what you want to work with. He continued.
“I love England and the Premier League. Even the championship seems stronger than ever, but I don’t feel connected to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language.
“The DNA and identity of the club is important, a club where I can be my best. It has to be a game. Maybe I made the wrong decision to go to Cardiff, for example, where there was a clash of identities and styles.