Scolari 'totally happy' with his decision

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insists he is "totally happy" with his decision to turn down the job of England manager.

One day after blaming the British media for intruding his life, the former Brazil boss refused to answer questions in English during a tour of Portugal´s World Cup base in the German village of Marienfeld.

Followed by 10 camera teams and a dozen photographers, Scolari also refused to elaborate on his reasons for deciding against the offer to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup.

He was happy to speak to German and Portuguese reporters, however, and, through a translator, said: "It was a very thoughtful decision and I am totally happy with the decisions I have taken in my life. I am very relaxed and will stay relaxed."

At the end of a hotel tour, during which he constantly ignored questions from English camera teams and reporters, he offered a warm word to the domestic media.

"I want to thank all German reporters and look forward to a good co-operation during the World Cup."

Scolari expects to "renegotiate" his contract with Portugal.

Scolari cited press intrusion as the reason for his about-turn, claiming "my life was invaded, my privacy was completely besieged" since it emerged FA chief executive Brian Barwick had been in Lisbon to negotiate terms with the former Brazil World Cup-winning coach.

Gilberto Madail, president of the Portuguese football federation (FPF), had allowed his coach to talk to the FA while hoping Scolari might instead choose to extend his contract with Portugal, which expires after the World Cup.

It is reported Scolari, who guided Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 on home soil, may now accept the offer of a two-year extension to his contract after also saying: "I am committed to the Portuguese FA until the end of the World Cup and maybe longer." PA