‘Can I smoke there?’ - Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Sarri offers hilarious response to Saudi Arabia links as Lazio boss insists he is happy in Italy

Sarri has regularly been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia to become the latest high-profile name tempted to the Middle East. The former Chelsea boss, who has previously said he wants to retire at Lazio, has once again been asked about rumours he could join a Saudi Pro League club but gave the answer short shrift.

“Saudi Arabia? Can I smoke there? Then we’ll see," he told La Repubblica. "However, it is not a programmable thing today. If I think about the future, I would like to be the coach of Lazio at Flaminio. It’s a project in which Lotito believes in, even if obviously he wants guarantees."

Sarri's future has come under scrutiny after an underwhelming start to the season. The capital club will return to action after the international break placed 10th in the Serie A table and already a distant 14 points behind leaders Inter. There has been better news in the Champions League, with a 1-0 win over Dutch champions Feyenoord moving Lazio into second place in the group, just a point behind leaders Atletico.

Sarri has made his commitment to Lazio clear and is obviously hoping to at least see out his contract which runs until 2025. Saudi clubs may well continue to try and lure the 64-year-old away from the Serie A side but are yet to convince the former Chelsea boss.