Gazayev to leave CSKA Moscow at end of season

Valery Gazayev will be leaving CSKA Moscow after the end of this season. The coach says that exhaustion is the reason of his decision.

Gazayev even wanted to leave immediately, but was asked to stay for a few more months.

“The reason of this decision is simply exhaustion. With this team, CSKA has won everything that could be won. The time has come for the team to undergo changes. On Monday I asked the chairman to let me go but he asked me to stay until the end of the season,” said the manager.

“I couldn’t say no to the man with whom I have had a warm relationship for years. At the same time I want to stress that the decision is definite. Under no circumstance will I change my decision, no matter in which position we finish. I’m leaving, even if we win the title.”

Currently CSKA occupy a disappointing ninth position in the Russian Premier League, but the team has been particularly successful in recent years.

Absolute highlight was winning the UEFA Cup in 2005, beating Sporting Lisbon in the final.