In an interview with the sports daily Record, Luiz Felipe Scolari has explained why he refused the England coaching job just before this year's World Cup.

The Brazil native stated, "Signing a contract with England as it was proposed to me would have been betrayal for Portugal."

Scolari rejected the England position after a public announcement from the English FA that it had secured the Portugal manager's services.

The FA quickly hired England assistant manager Steve McClaren in an attempt to gloss over the humiliating bungle.

Scolari won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and led Portugal to a 2nd place finish at Euro 2004, and a 4th place finish in Germany, eliminating England in all three tournaments.

Scolari: Signing for England equaled betrayal - FoxSoccer.com - AP Report (new window)