Vardan Minasyan

YEREVAN—Vardan Minasyan will not head the Armenian national team in the new season, following the most successful qualifying campaign for a major event in the country’s history, the Football Federation of Armenia reports.

The Federation says Minasyan was offered a contract extension though qualifying for the 2016 European Championship, but the coach refused.

“It would be an honor for me to continue to head the Armenian national team, but now I prefer a different continuation of my career,” he said, adding that he has a number of proposals, including from abroad, which he would like to consider. Vardan Minasyan’s contract expires on October 31.

“It’s an honor for any coach to head the national team. There can be no greater feeling than representing the country, the state, and I’m glad I’ve had that opportunity with the national team,” Minasyan said. He thanked the President of the Football Federation, the Executive Committee and the staff.

He also expressed gratitude to the fans. “I’ve always felt their support even at times they were severely criticizing me. I’m confident they will always stand by our team, our football.”

Vardan Minasyan said in an interview with FFA official website that the Armenian national team is mature enough to defeat any rival.

Armenia finished fifth in its World Cup qualifying group but had been in contention for second place.

Minasysn took over the team in 2009 and helped it rise in the FIFA rankings up to 38th place.