Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed how his daughter played a role in his return to management at Besiktas.
The 51-year-old was appointed Besiktas boss last Friday, just over three years after his brutal sacking at Old Trafford, and got off to a perfect start with a win on his debut.
Solskjaer, 51, has joined the Turkish team on a year-and-a-half deal until the summer of 2026 and will earn €3.6 million during his tenure, according to club chairman Serdal Adali.
Although the Norwegian will receive a hefty wage during his time at the club, that was not the main driver for his move to Turkey, as he revealed in an interview.
Speaking to Turkish media, he said: 'This project is a bit like Man United for me. We came sixth, then third and second. Step by step. I follow United and it's difficult when things go wrong.
'I had many offers, but it had to be the right offer that was worth taking away from my perfect life.
'You should feel the heartbeat beating again. Do you have the energy? The project feels so good to me. Besiktas is not just a football club, it is a sports club.
'One thing: my daughter was born on March 3, 2003. If we go back in history, March 3, 1903 was the founding of Besiktas, so I think this is also a sign.
“She sent me a message and this is the right one.”
With Solskjaer making the move to Besiktas, a number of reports recently suggested he could be reunited with some of his former players such as Marcus Rashford and Casemiro.
However, the Norwegian dismissed those claims, as he said: 'I come from Manchester United, so there will be transfer news like this.
'Casemiro and Rashford are very good players, but I haven't had any contact with them yet. I enjoyed my time at Manchester United. That chapter is closed.'
At a signing ceremony, the Norwegian released an impassioned statement ahead of his partnership with Besiktas, declaring that he will not regret the decision to join them before the day he dies.
“We had great meetings with our president. We met heart to heart. The bonds we will build in this team are very important,” he said.
'We are going to create a new foundation here. This was something I really wanted. Our president touched my heart and the hearts of the coaching staff. I followed the matches and Beşiktaş during my work at UEFA. I am proud to belong to such a club.
'I know what the fans want. We will work towards this every day. I'm only here to win. We have players who have a habit of winning. Beşiktaş is a team that deserves victories. “I have always strived for this in my playing and coaching career and that is why I came here.”
'I would regret it if I didn't accept this before I die. What I said cannot remain just words, I want to start it as soon as possible.'
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