Scolari admits Abramovich made him an offer he just could not refuse
If nothing else, you have to admire his honesty. Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that money was the main reason he chose to join Chelsea, then revealed that his tenure would not last beyond four or five years.
The salary on offer at Stamford Bridge did, understandably, prove impossible for the World Cup-winning Brazilian to turn down.
Money man: Scolari was made an offer he couldn't refuse
At £6million, it is almost four times what he is earning as coach of Portugal. And when the Portuguese FA failed to persuade sponsors to make up the difference, he was given permission to speak to Roman Abramovich.
‘Money did matter but it was not the only reason,’ he said.
‘You only get an opportunity once, so it’s take it or leave it. Every decision was taken with the parties involved knowing what happened, namely the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, who looked for assistance with some sponsors. He tried to get their help but they didn’t give their assistance.
‘We wanted to get a similar proposal (as Chelsea’s) but after having done that, they told me I was free to negotiate with whomever I wished to negotiate. I negotiated. We all knew one day we would start and one day we would end. The president did his utmost, but my assignment will end at the end of the Euros.’
Scolari, who insists he has a decent grasp of English, added: ‘I’m 59 and I’m going to turn 60 very soon (in November). I don’t want to coach until I’m 70. I want to work for four or five more years and then retire.’
Asked if he was as fierce as his image would suggest, he said: ‘You have to ask my wife, she knows best — get in touch with her! I am what you see, I’m the person you are talking to. I like to play, I like jokes, I like a good atmosphere, I feel comfortable anywhere in the world because I establish good relationships with the people who surround me.
‘I don’t like high society. I don’t like to go to parties. I’m shy! But I have a good relationship with my players and that’s the most important thing.
‘I speak English with my players, I speak German, I speak Italian — don’t worry, the language of football is only one.
'And I have no concerns about returning to club football after seven years. I spent my life coaching clubs.’
