Risto Vidakovic, who steered Ceres-Negros to multiple domestic titles and AFC Cup appearances, announced that he won’t be calling the shots for the club now known as United City FC.
The Serbian mentor confirmed his decision through his Twitter account on Wednesday, a few weeks after United City expressed its intention to have the 51-year-old Vidakovic call the shots.
“I just want to inform the Filipino football fans and especially the supporters of Ceres Negros that I’m not going to be a part of the United City FC,” Vidakovic tweeted.
“Thank you Ceres for all this years of beautiful memories,” he added.
READ: Goodbye, Ceres-Negros, hello, United City
Vidakovic’s decision came despite United City’s successful efforts in retaining the core of the Ceres roster, namely Stephan Schrock, Spaniard Bienvido Maranon, Senegalese Robert Lopez Mendy, OJ Porteria and brothers Mike and Manny Ott.
He steered Ceres to three straight Philippines Football League championships since the pro league was launched in 2017 and last year’s Copa Paulino Alcantara.
But his biggest accomplishment while in charge of Ceres was when the Bacolod outfit won the ASEAN Zonal crown of the 2017 AFC Cup.
“My best coach ever,” Maranon said. “I’m sure in the near future we will work together again! Thanks for (making) me a better player and better person as well. See you soon coach and teacher!”