Liverpool hero confirmed as new sporting director for European club after rejecting other offers
Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, who played more than 300 matches for the Reds, has taken on a new job. He has just been announced as a sporting director in his homeland.
As per the Slovakian outlet Sport.SK, Skrtel has taken over as sporting director at DAC Dunajska Streda. "First of all, I’m grateful," the 39-year-old is quoted as saying. "I want to thank the owner of the club and the executive director for their trust and chance.
"A new stage is beginning for me and I believe that I will be able to transform the experience I have gained as a player into a new job and a new position," Skrtel added. "I am glad that this chance has come and I can take this new official path in this club.
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"I will do everything I can not to disappoint and fulfill my task and the goals of the club. I wanted to stay in Slovakia; there were also offers abroad, but they were not interesting to me."
DAC Dunajska Streda is currently third in the league standings. It is two places behind Champions League outfit Slovan Bratislava, which was hammered 5-1 by Celtic earlier this week.
The ex-Liverpool hardman has always wanted to remain in the game despite turning 40 in December. Earlier this year, he was still turning up in amateur games for FK Hajskala Raztocno in an unlikely No. 10 role. He also featured alongside his former teammate Daniel Agger in LFC Legends’ clash with Ajax Legends at Anfield in March.
"He’s doing such a great job," Skrtel told The Athletic in March when asked about former teammate Xabi Alonso's work with Bayer Leverkusen. "The way they play and how they dominate, even against a team like Bayern, it’s crazy.
"We’ve seen how Xabi understands football and how he can get a team ready for each challenge they face. I am so happy for him. He’s still young as a manager but very successful and I hope he continues in this way."
Liverpool.com says: It's always nice to hear that former soccer players want to stay involved in the game even when they have retired. Skrtel doesn't need the money having played in the Premier League for so long but he still has the motivation to keep working. Best of luck to him in the new position!