Silva ‘happy’ to stay but wants ‘things done differently’

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Marco Silva says the lure of the Premier League was too strong for him to walk away from Fulham and take up a lucrative deal to manage Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli.

Silva, whose contract expires at the end of this season, is yet to agree terms on a new deal.

He admits he was tempted to take up the offer of earning close to £40m over two years and join big-name players now playing in the Saudi Pro League.


“I have received some offers to leave but my decision was to stay and I am happy about that,” Silva said.

“I want to stay in the Premier League, I want to be at this level and I want to compete in the best and most competitive division in the world.

“After two great seasons at this football club we have to be ready for the market and it is a consequence of our season that there are some interest from our players and the management also.

“You have seen some very good players go to Saudi. They want the best players, they want to create a very good competition there and it is up to them to do it.”

Despite his decision to stay, Silva admits he has been frustrated by Fulham’s slow progress in the transfer market.

With the season starting on Saturday and the transfer window due to close on August 31, Fulham have signed just two new players in defender Calvin Bassey and striker Raul Jimenez.

Fulham have historically been busy very late in transfer windows and Silva does not believe that is sensible.

“I am feeling well in this football club but it’s no secret I would like some things done differently,” he said.

“I am working to improve things not just on the pitch but off the pitch too.

“I am working with the owners to get things done as we need to be ready for the competition and I am not just talking about players.

“Last season I achieved my ambitions for the football club and I know what we are capable of doing and we need now the support of the owner and from the people to help us again to a good job.

“I have a normal relationship with the owners. I had a clear plan for the club since before the finish of last season and the board is trying to do everything that can to get the players in.

“It is not happening in the time I would like, but they are doing their best and I hope they can do it sooner rather than later.”