Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that his decision to turn down the England job seven years ago still “hurts” and has not ruled out accepting it in future.
The 64-year-old takes on the Three Lions in the first game of his second spell as Brazil manager tomorrow, but could have been sitting in the home dugout had history taken a different course.
The Football Association approached Scolari six-and-a-half years ago to take over from Sven Goran-Eriksson after the 2006 World Cup, however, the former Chelsea boss opted to stay with Portugal.
He said: “I still had a contract with Portugal national team and I was not willing to break that contract.
“Of course it hurts. It hurt a lot. I would have loved to be manager of the England national team. Who wouldn’t?
“And who knows, you never know what might happen one day.
“It’s a wonderful national team. Tomorrow I’m sure I will talk to Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole and wish all the best.
“But it was my duty to fulfil that contract with Portugal. Imagine what would have happened if we had met in the 2006 World Cup and I already had the contract with the England national team.”
Scolari also defended his record at Stamford Bridge even though he was sacked after eight months.
He added: “When I was in Chelsea they were qualifying for the Champions League, doing well in the tournament and playing in the FA Cup so that was good work I have shown here.
“What I remember about Chelsea is simply marvellous. I had a great time here. I loved my time here when I lived here, when I trained here with this spectacular club.”
Source: Daily Mail
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