DE BOER: I’M SO PROUD TO JOIN PREMIER ELITE
FRANK DE BOER became Crystal Palace boss yesterday – and wore his pride on his sleeve as one of the Premier League’s 20 managers.
The Dutchman, 47, said: “A friend congratulated me, saying, ‘You can be very proud. You’re one of 20 managers in the biggest league in the world.’ I feel the
same way. I’m manager of a fantastic club and looking forward to starting.”
De Boer was unveiled as Sam Allardyce’s Selhurst Park successor on a threeyear contract.
He finally lands in England after being linked with numerous clubs in recent years – including Liverpool, Tottenham, Southampton and Everton.
De Boer survived just 85 days in his previous job at Inter Milan last season.
He won four straight titles at Ajax before that ill-fated spell in Italy, and said: “Inter was a learning experience but with my experience with Ajax I’m ready to manage a Premier League club.”
De Boer insisted he wasn’t thinking about using the Palace job as a stepping stone to bigger and better
things. But chairman Steve Parish (left) said: “If in three years’ time he manages Real Madrid, it means he will be a success at this club. “If I had Real Madrid or Manchester United wanting Frank – and we have a fantastic club – then that would be a ‘luxury problem’ as those people in advertising call it.”