Jump directly to the content
China in his hands

Sam Allardyce reveals he rejected mega money from China before returning to Crystal Palace

The former Sunderland manager was offered a chance to rebuild his career in Asia after England nightmare but chose not to follow the money

SAM ALLARDYCE says he turned down a megabucks move to China in favour of taking over at Crystal Palace.
Allardyce replaced Alan Pardew last week but says he was approached about rebuilding his career in Asia after his England dream was crushed.
Sam Allardyce during his first match in charge of Crystal Palace against Watford
6
Sam Allardyce during his first match in charge of Crystal Palace against WatfordCredit: Getty Images
Allardyce gives former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini instructions
6
Allardyce gives former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini instructionsCredit: Reuters
Carlos Tevez has just moved to China for mega money
6
Carlos Tevez has just moved to China for mega moneyCredit: Getty Images
 The 62-year-old was caught up in a newspaper sting, costing him his position as Three Lions manager in September.
Allardyce admits he was tempted by the huge offer but did not want to move to China, where former Manchester United
Allardyce said: "An agent said there was a football club over there and you can go and have a chat with them if you want to -- they are interested in you.
"In all honesty, it wasn't for me at that stage. Whether they would have said yes to me or not, I don't know.
"Financially, yes, it was very tempting. But for me, it wasn't right for me or my family. I didn't want to leave my family to
go and work in China on my own.
"It wasn't for me. I always thought that somebody in the Premier League might need my services. I have done it a few times and every time is just as difficult as the other."
Allardyce, whose side travel to Arsenal tomorrow (SUN), says he lost his appetite for football following his sacking by the FA.
But he was stewing at home and watching former side Sunderland beat Watford 1-0 on December 17th convinced him to get off the couch and get back into management.
He added: "Had I lost my appetite? More than a bit!
"I am a tough old character really and I can bounce back and bouncing back it getting out there and taking a job, otherwise you could sit there dwelling on it and let it play on your mind.
"But it is done. It is over and this job allows be to move on and it gets me focused on the team here and I am challenging myself to improve the team and get results against some very good Premier League sides.
Gareth Southgate replaced Allardyce as England manager
6
Gareth Southgate replaced Allardyce as England managerCredit: PA:Press Association
Allardyce has plenty of experience of beating the drop
6
 Allardyce has plenty of experience of beating the dropCredit: PA:Press Association
Steve Parish knew Allardyce was the man to replace Alan Pardew
6
Steve Parish knew Allardyce was the man to replace Alan PardewCredit: PA:Press Association
"I was getting board. I was getting itchy. I was watching a game on the telly and I just thought I miss it. Then you have to wait.
"I am over what happened with England. I will never forget it but I am over it. It will always be there but I have moved on.
"I want Crystal Palace to be successful and everyone will talk about me and how well I have managed at Crystal Palace and now about that particular period in my life.
"I like the pressure this game brings. I like working with young people who keep you young, I'm 62 now and when I wake up in the morning I don't feel like I want to stop.
"I don't feel 62 when I'm at a football club. I feel like I'm alive, I'm vibrant, I'm passing on my experience to these players to try to help them achieve more and be more successful.
"There's a great satisfaction when you see a team deliver the performances and turn round a difficult situation."
Likely line up (4-2-3-1): Hennessey; Ward, Kelly, Dann, Fryers; Flamini, Cabaye; Townsend, Puncheon, Zaha; Benteke.
Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU