MANCHESTER, England (AP) The assistant coach of Manchester United is leaving his position at the end of the season, bringing to a close his 17-year partnership with manager Jose Mourinho.
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Rui Faria says he wants to “spend much more quality time with my family before pursuing any new challenge in my professional life.”
Faria has been No. 2 to Mourinho at Leiria, Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan, Real Madrid and United.
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In a statement published by United on Saturday, Mourinho says “17 years and the kid is now a man. The intelligent student is now a football expert, ready for a successful career as a manager.”
United’s final English Premier League game is at home to Watford on Sunday. The team then plays Chelsea in the FA Cup final next weekend.