Aragones is a big man: Hiddink

Russia coach Guus Hiddink paid tribute to his Spanish counterpart Luis Aragones here Wednesday on the eve of their Euro 2008 semi-final.

Hiddink, speaking at the pre-match press conference, described the veteran Spaniard as “a big man” in international football.

Win, lose or draw Aragones will relinquish his national duties in favour of managing Turkish giants Fernabahce next season, a side previosuly coached by Hiddink.

The Dutchman said: “Luis is getting older and going to the club where I started my international career. At 70 it means this man has a lot of energy, I have a lot of respect for him.

“I’ve also had experience in Spain, and when you know how to survive in Spain then you’re a big man, and he’s a big man.”