'I have no clue' - Iraola on his future and Cherries' efforts to keep him
- Published
Andoni Iraola says Bournemouth "tried to do everything" to keep him and insists he has "no clue" where or if he will be coaching next season.
The 43-year-old Spaniard announced he will leave the Cherries at the end of the season this week and his name is linked with a host of clubs, including Athletic Bilbao, where Ernesto Valverde will step down at the end of the campaign.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark, Iraola explained he did not want to negotiate a new deal when offered: "The club, they tried to do everything. In December they had a formal offer. I tried to talk about my feelings. I know they have been working on the future. It is not something that has happened by surprise.
"The seasons I have been here I have been so satisfied, I don't want almost to risk it. I feel full of energy, it's not I am exhausted, I am more motivated to finish this season. But sometimes you have to choose well the moment to leave places."
Iraola said he was relieved people now knew of his exit, adding he was most "nervous" in telling his players, though he claims he did not get overly emotional with them.
"I am quite cold," he explained. "But it's true that with some members of the staff - you've been here three years - it has been very difficult as there is mutual appreciation. Some people will not understand the decision but we still have two months to be together, enjoy it and create memories."
The former Athletic Bilbao player's exit brings further uncertainty over whether his assistant Tommy Elphick and coach Shaun Cooper will follow him.
"They have been really good with me but are under contract with the club," he added. "They are the ones who have to decide their future. I have been very lucky to work with them and now it's their moment to decide."
And his own future is up in the air, with Iraola adding: "I have no clue. I don't know if I am going to coach next season. I have no rush to know it. We have taken the decision and the decision has not been affected by any other club."