Grêmio manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has refuted suggestions that he is set to move to China.
Respected Brazilian journalist João Garcia posted on his Twitter account [@Joaoradio] on Friday that Scolari would leave Grêmio at the end of the Campeonato Gaúcho, with China his most likely destination.
“The Chinese are chasing Felipão and have made multimillion-dollar proposals. Win or lose the [Rio Grande do Sul] state championship, he will leave," stated Garcia, as reported by website China.
Despite being believed to be a close friendly of Garcia’s, Scolari has been quick to clarify his comments. The former Seleção Head Coach seemingly hasn"t completely ruled out moving on in the future however, if he desires it.
“I get a proposal almost every month from China, Qatar and so on, but currently [departure] is not in my thought," he said. “If I think about leaving, I have to discuss with my family."
Scolari was appointed as Grêmio’s manager, for the third time, in July 2014 and led them to a 7th placed finish in last season’s Brasileirão, where they had the best defensive record, with just 24 goals conceded in 38 matches.
Scolari has been rebuilding his reputation at the Porto Alegre based club after a disappointing end to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he managed hosts Brazil.
The 66 year-old, who won the 2002 edition of the tournament with the Seleção, saw his side defeated 7-1 by eventually winners Germany in the semi-finals and they ultimately finished 4th after a 3-0 loss to Netherlands in the third place play-off.