By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

Senol Gunes will not be back as manager of FC Seoul next season after both sides decided to part ways.

Gunes and team officials met the media together Thursday morning and the 57-year-old Turkish boss explained that he's sad to leave Korea and FC Seoul but said he wants to spend more time with his family.

He also reflected on his time in the Land of the Morning Calm, where he was often anything but while standing on the sidelines.

"I've spent three years in Korea," he said at Seoul World Cup Stadium. "As I told you when I entered the K-League, I really wanted to develop the league and help improve the players. Though I didn't make the change that we wanted, I did try to make positive changes and bring in basic football culture.

"I will never forget the love from my fans," he said.

The two sides met Wednesday to discuss extending his contract ― which had expired when Seoul was knocked out of the K-League playoffs last weekend ― but ultimately decided to end their relationship.

"No one is sadder than me that I'm leaving Korea. A return to Korea may be in my destiny and I love FC Seoul and I love Korea, so I will do my best to come back. I don't know when that will be, but if they make me an offer, I hope I will be able to accept because I know Korea well," he said.

"But right now I think we need some time apart."

The fiery manager became known for his emotional expressions of displeasure for referees, which sometimes earned him disciplinary actions from the league.

"I feel sorry that I didn't form a good relationship with the referee. Referees make mistakes, but I feel that sometimes they did it on purpose. Because I felt this way, I was punished by the K-League committee.

"But all of that is in the past now."

He also had some advice on how to improve Korean football and called for an open exchange of ideas.

"In order to develop Korean football, people need to talk to each other and share their opinions frankly. Everyone needs to make their views known."

Gunes is a former goalkeeper who played nine years with the Turkish national team. He has coached since 1987 and spent four years at the helm of his native land's national squad.

"My family wanted me to return home, and that influenced my decision. I was offered jobs with three Asian teams, but I didn't consider going to any of them. I plan to take about six months off."

yc@koreatimes.co.kr