Nikolic’s message to CSKA’s friends: “I’m ready for a new challenge”

Maybe it’s the most difficult decision of my career, but I got it and I’m ready for a new challenge.

We talked to the administration for the last two days, but I asked them not to convince me and to respect my decision. I called the team leader and other kids. This farewell makes my voice tremble.

I will always love CSKA and the fans of the team. Even the friendly games, and sometimes the workouts, in performances that I will remember forever. I was talking about the fans at every press conference and I say the same and now; I will always tell all my friends how the fans made our team stronger. Inserting, animating, inspiring.

I do not want to refer to the reasons for leaving, I consider it a personal affair. However, of course, it is neither money nor transcripts, as the media writes. We face and solve challenges every day. These processes exist in every profession, and of course in the profession of coach.

I have excellent relationships with all the administration, the employees and of course with the players, who believed in the ideas of our staff and rewarded with medals and the Russian Cup. This is a wonderful team, from the younger player to the most experienced, not only has great players but also great people. And I’m sure the kids will continue to win and rejoice in the fans.

I am grateful to the administration for their honesty and help from day one. I hope that our relationship, which I greatly appreciate and I find more than professional, will last forever.

When we choose a job, we always take into account many factors. Personal issues, family, ambitions. The coach’s job is no exception, so are things. We come and leave, so it works. And one day I will be immensely happy to be back on our stadium.