Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri offers hilarious response when asked if he would consider taking a job in Saudi Arabia

Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri offered a hilarious response when asked if he would consider taking a job in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Pro League clubs have been busy recruiting high-profile players, managers, coaches and directors.

Sarri, now the boss at Lazio, is on their radar after guiding the Rome club to a second-place finish in Serie A last season.

When asked if he would consider taking a job in Saudi Arabia, chain-smoker Sarri said: 'Coach in Saudi Arabia ? Can I smoke there ? Then we'll see…'

The 64 -year-old is said to average around 60 cigarettes a day.

Former club Napoli built Sarri his own smoking area inside their stadium, while Europa League opponents RB Leipzig constructed a designated area in the away dressing room for a European tie.

However, stadiums have become non-smoking venues, meaning he is now banned from lighting up on the touchline and he has been spotted chewing a cigarette on the touchline. 

The 64-year-old has entered his third year in charge of Lazio following his arrival in the summer of 2021, replacing Simone Inzaghi. 

His current contract expires with the club in the summer of 2025. 

Sarri guided Lazio to a second-place finish in Serie A last season, taking the team back to the Champions League. 

Whilst things have been tough this term, the Biancocelesti are still on track to qualify for the Round of 16 in Europe.

The Italian coach reiterated his desire to finish his career with Lazio.

He said: 'I would like it to be like this. I don't set time limits, so it's not just up to me.'