The Peninsula
Popular coach Diego Aguirre, who is leaving his post at Al Rayyan, yesterday said it was a difficult decision to quit the Qatar football giants.
Al Rayyan club held a press conference for the Uruguayan to reveal the reasons for his sudden departure.
The press conference was also attended by Ali Salem Afifa, head of the club's football set-up.
The Uruguayan spoke about his 'strong relationship with Al Rayyan club, the players and the fans', stressing that the decision to leave was 'very difficult for him'.
“I felt sorry for making this difficult decision, although I wanted to continue with the club, but due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unable to meet my family and check on them for more than seven months,” Aguirre was quoted as saying in a report posted on an Arabic newspaper website.
He added: “Al Rayyan is a great team and will remain so, and it always achieves wins and championships. I will leave and yet Al Rayyan will remain as a top side. The club fans are in my heart forever, and I really feel very sad to leave this club,” he said.
“I thank everyone who belongs to the club especially the players who gave me respect,” he said. Aguirre will continue as coach until a replacement is named.