Sarri snubs Al-Nassr job in favor of Lazio return and coaching passion

Sarri snubs Al-Nassr job as the former Lazio manager reaffirms his deep-rooted commitment to coaching for love, not money. Despite being offered a staggering €18 million per season by Saudi club Al-Nassr, Maurizio Sarri has chosen to walk away, citing emotional detachment from such a move. “I wouldn’t have felt anything,” he said of the offer—highlighting how financial gain doesn’t drive his decisions.
- Sarri turned down a reported €18 million per year offer from Al-Nassr
- The former Lazio boss says he prioritizes passion over money
- He returns to coaching after a brief hiatus due to personal reasons
- Saudi Pro League continues to lure top names, but not Sarri
The veteran coach, who recently returned to the sidelines after stepping away in March 2024 due to personal loss, has made it clear that football for him is more than a paycheck. After a year-long sabbatical, Sarri resumes his journey in Rome, back with Lazio, and true to his values. While many peers have been enticed by lucrative Middle Eastern contracts, Sarri has stood firm in rejecting the trend.
During a conversation with Sportitalia, Sarri shared how he had conversations with a Saudi club but declined even though the offer would have paid him in a month what he earns at Lazio in a year. “I always follow my heart,” he remarked, reinforcing his identity as a coach fueled by purpose rather than prestige.
Sarri’s stance comes at a time when top talent is leaving Europe for the Saudi Pro League, raising concerns about the shifting landscape of global football. Former Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has reportedly been approached as well, underscoring the aggressive recruitment push. But Sarri remains unshaken by the wave, remarking that if stars leave, “I’ll train the weaker ones here.”
His career trajectory—from banking to building teams like Napoli, Chelsea, Juventus, and Lazio—reflects a journey defined by grit and personal conviction. As interest in Serie A persists through platforms like Serie A Predictions, Sarri’s story reminds us of the soul of the sport. And in a world chasing instant success, his decision is a bold, refreshing return to the roots of football, a reminder that Serie A Predictions are about more than just outcomes; they reflect passion, too.
