Hierro quits as Malaga general manager

Former Spain and Real Madrid star Fernando Hierro announced he has quit as Malaga general manager after less than a year in the job. "It's a personal decision which I've already informed the owners of. I think it's the right time in order not to affect future plans," Hierro told a press conference. According to press reports, Hierro has had differences in opinion with bosses at the club which is owned by Sheikh Abdallah Ben Nasser Al-Thani, a member of Qatar's ruling family. Capped 89 times for Spain, the 44-year-old former central defender and defensive midfielder became general manager at Malaga last August on a four-year deal, after leaving his post as sporting director with the Spanish national side. Malaga finished fourth in La Liga this season and will play in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round for the first time ever next season.