Former Arsenal star agrees shock exit from Premier League club to become manager of Guinea-Bissau
FORMER Arsenal winger Luis Boa Morte is surprising many fans by quitting as Fulham coach to manage Guinea-Bissau.
The ex-Portugal international, 46, will depart for West Africa in the summer after serving as Marco Silva‘s assistant boss at Everton, and now Craven Cottage.
Supporters shared their shock over Boa Morte’s decision to leave the Premier League to take over the world’s 118th-ranked international team.
One posted: “Big loss to Fulham, I hope the club and Marco have someone lined up!”
Another claimed: “How can you leave Fulham to coach Guinea Bissau? Lack of ambition.”
But others suggested that, although the former Southampton ace has chosen an unusual path, it should help his career.
One such believer wrote: “Everyone thinks this is a downgrade but I think it’s a good decision.”
His popularity was shown by loads of “good luck” messages.
And the Cottagers said in a statement: “Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Boa for his efforts since his return to the club, and wishes him the best of luck in this next chapter when he departs following our season finale away to Luton Town.”
Boa Morte failed to break through as a player with first club Sporting Lisbon.
But he switched to Arsenal from 1997-1999 before spells with Southampton, Fulham and West Ham.
The 28-cap attacker wound down his days on the field via spells with Greek club AEL, South African team Orlando Pirates and Chesterfield.
He then coached Fulham’s academy teams and spent 12 months bossing Portuguese minnows Sintrense.
After that he’s followed his compatriot Silva, assisting him at Goodison Park in 2019 and with Fulham for the past three years.