SAO PAULO (AP) — Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to its last World Cup title in 2002 and led Portugal to the European Championship final in 2004, confirmed his retirement as the club’s coach on Sunday.
The 74-year-old Brazilian bid farewell after Atletico’s 3-0 home win against Batafogo on Sunday in the latest round of the Brazilian league. The win secured the team sixth place and a place in next year’s Copa Libertadores.
“It was my life. I am finishing this chapter very well,” said an emotional Scolari after the match.
Scolari said he expected to return to Atletico next year in a managerial role but would no longer be in charge of the team.
Scolari, whose former clubs include Chelsea, has been talking about ending his coaching career since August.
As well as winning the World Cup with Brazil, Scolari’s Portugal were beaten by Greece in the Euro 2004 final. A career low point came when Germany humiliated tournament hosts Brazil 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.
Scolari unexpectedly led Atlético to the final of the Copa Libertadores, with the southern Brazilian side losing to Flamengo in the decider on October 29. He was initially appointed to work as a technical director at the club.
“I’ve lived everything I never expected to live in football,” Scolari said on Sunday. “And I’ll finish it today.”
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