Marseille coach Eric Gerets confirmed that he had accepted a lucrative offer to take charge of Saudi Arabia's Hilal next season. The former Belgium defender has already announced his Velodrome exit this summer after a dispute with owner Robert Louis-Dreyfus. Gerets, who is on course to win the Ligue1 with l'OM, set his reasons for choosing the Gulf move. "Of course, money played a role in it. I cannot dispute that. But this is a real challenge because I know nothing of the place," he told France Football. "I have a good feeling about this move. I find this very exciting and I love new challenges." It is believed that Gerets will earn 250,000 Euros as a monthly salary in Riyadh. Former France captain Didier Deschamps was named as successor to Gerets, who was reportedly linked with Egyptian champions Ahli.
