Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner said today that he will leave the football club at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
The 51-year-old Austrian coach will leave Palace as a legend, having won the FA Cup last season, the club's first major trophy, and also led the team to the Community Shield.
Glasner was offered a new contract last summer, but he said today that he informed president Steve Parish in October that he would not be renewing his contract.
"The decision had already been made, months earlier. I had a meeting with Steve in October, during the break in the championship. We had a long talk and I told him I would not sign a new contract. We agreed then that it was best to keep it to ourselves. The best we could do was to keep it confidential for three months," Glasner said at a press conference, reported the BBC.
"But now it's important to be clear, we have a very busy schedule and that's why we didn't want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace," he added.
British media reported today that Palace management has agreed to sell captain Mark Gehi to Manchester City for £20 million plus £10 million.
Glasner said that the management's move had nothing to do with his decision to leave the club in the summer.
"As far as I understand, negotiations are in the final stages," said Glanser, adding that Gehi will not be in the squad for tomorrow's match against Sunderland in the Premier League.
"Everyone wanted Mark to stay forever. I spoke to him, of course that remains between us. Mark showed in the summer transfer window, he showed it all autumn that he is 100 percent committed to the team. I wish him all the best for the rest of his career. He is still at the beginning of a great career. He is a fantastic guy," added Glasner.
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