East Asia China

Guangzhou Evergrande’s Scolari denies retirement claims

Multiple reports in his native Brazil claimed Scolari is thinking about calling time on his career, but head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insists he wants to extend his contract at Guangzhou

“It is completely untrue,” he said.

“I don’t know what the intention was behind this fake news. I have to repeat that my contract with Evergrande is due until the end of this year and I have the option of a one-year extension.

“I love my job in Guangzhou, and I love my players. My family in Brazil don’t need me to quit my work here to take care of them at home.

“It is normal that I take some holidays back in Brazil, and I haven’t seen my wife for four or five months.

“I went back and brought them to Guangzhou, that’s it. I believe I will spend more time here,” the 68-year-old added.

World Cup-winning manager Scolari has proved a massive success at Guangzhou Evergrande during almost two years with the club after lifting the Asian Champions League and two CSL titles.

Scolari will serve a one-game stadium ban when his side faces league leaders Shanghai SIPG next weekend following comments suggesting officials were favouring their big-spending rivals. He was also fined RMB8,000.