Brazil media hails growing soccer presence in China

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian media highlighted the country's growing influence on Chinese football after Thursday's announcement that Luiz Felipe Scolari will coach Guangzhou Evergrande.

The 66-year-old signed a two-and-half year deal with the Chinese Super League champions just two weeks after quitting as manager of Brazil's Gremio amid poor results.

"Having left Gremio in decline, [Scolari] is making an adventure into Chinese football, which already has several Brazilians," the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper said.

Guangzhou, winners of the past four Chinese Super League titles, currently have four Brazilians in their squad: Rene Junior, Alan, Elkeson and Ricardo Goulart.

Scolari replaces Italy World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, who took over from his compatriot Marcello Lippi in December.

Under the headline "A new life", news portal Globoesporte praised Guangzhou's ability to sign a "succession of world champions".

Lippi was the coach of Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph and Scolari led Brazil to victory in Japan and South Korea 13 years ago.

Folha de S. Paulo said Guangzhou had beaten off interest from other Asian teams for Scolari's signature.

"He was sought by Asian clubs, and even national teams, during his time as coach of Gremio," the newspaper said.

"He didn't hide his desire to accept any good proposals. As soon as he announced his resignation from Gremio he was free to do that."

Scolari, who has also had spells as coach of Chelsea and Portugal, took charge of Brazil's national team for a second time in late 2012. He was axed after the Selecao's 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany last July.