The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered Croatian national team coach Zlatko Dalić (59) a staggering five million euros annually to leave the "fiery" Croatian squad after the World Cup, according to Sportske Novosti. However, Dalić remains committed to his team and has yet to reveal whether he will lead Croatia through the upcoming Nations League and European Championship qualifiers.

The UAE, a country Dalić previously coached, including stints with Al Faisaly and Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Al Ain in the UAE, currently have a less-than-stellar record under Romanian coach Cosmin Olăriu, who has led the team since April last year. The UAE team has four wins, five draws, and four losses in their 67th FIFA ranking, currently in the final stages of World Cup qualification.

Earlier Rejections from Qatar and China

Dalić has previously turned down offers from Qatar and China, choosing to focus on the World Cup. About two years ago, he was approached by the Russian and Qatari federations with offers ranging from five to six million euros annually. He even traveled to Qatar to discuss the offers but ultimately declined. Qatar offered him a comprehensive role as the head of their national team setup, including control over youth teams and medical staff.

Dalić explains his decisions:

"They told me to take advantage of the situation and accept the money. After the World Cup, I stayed true to my words about unity and patriotism. If I had left for money, what message would I have sent to young people and everyone in Croatia? I say one thing and do another. I am rich enough, not materially, but in life. I have a family and two sons in university. I am proud of my decision."

Dalić's current salary with the Croatian Football Association is reportedly around one and a half million euros annually. If he were to leave after nearly nine years, the most likely successors would be Slaven Bilić and Ivica Olić.

  • Slaven Bilić 484 glas/ova
  • Ivica Olić 106 glas/ova
  • Matjaž Kek 178 glas/ova
  • Vedran Ćorluka 76 glas/ova
  • Stranac 77 glas/ova