Queiroz to leave Iran for African team

Jun 19, 2014 - 11:30 PM Carlos Queiroz says he will quit his role as Iran's national coach after the World Cup and take charge of an African team.

The Portuguese former Real Madrid boss said he wants to make history by becoming the first person to lead four different countries to the World Cup finals, but he declined to say exactly where would be his next destination.

Queiroz coached Portugal in 2010 and led South Africa in 2002.

"My contract stops here. There was a period of 'love' in which Iran asked me to continue and they're still showing that desire," Queiroz told Publico.

"But they don't have enough governmental support and, it seems clear to me, they'll stop having effective interest, because of a lack of finances, in maintaining the work done at the national team level.

"The dialogue is over and I've already decided not to stay."

Asked about his future, Mozambique-born Queiroz, 61, said he knew where he was going but could not reveal it as things are yet to be finalised.

He said he'd turned down offers from clubs in Brazil and England because he wants to make history with another national team.

"It's not so difficult (to make history) because of the team concerned, which has many players playing in top flight European teams, but it will be difficult because it will be in a very competitive African environment.

"It's very difficult to qualify for a World Cup from this continent.

"But I can't say yet the name of the country and I haven't yet made my decision."

Iran drew their opening Group F match in Brazil 0-0 with Nigeria and play Argentina in Belo Horizonte on Saturday, before ending their group campaign against Bosnia in Salvador on June 25.

As well as coaching Real, Queiroz was also twice the assistant to legendary former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Source: AAP