LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI on Sunday denied reports in his native Brazil that he will retire from coaching at the end of the current Chinese Super League season.

    Scolari, who signed a new contract with Guangzhou Evergrande last year, called the reports “fake news” and said he hoped to remain in China beyond his existing deal.

    “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.”

    Scolari took over as head coach at Guangzhou in June 2015 and has since led the club to the Asian Champions League title and two Chinese Super League crowns.

    (SD-Agencies)