As reported by , Swiss newspaper Blick carry quotes from the former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich coach confirming an offer from the Chinese champions.

"Yes , it's true that I would have earned more in one and a half years than in seven years at Bayern Munich," said Hitzfeld without mentioning specifics of the deal.

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However, the former Switzerland coach revealed that he turned down the job primarily to spend more time with his family.

“I am now 66 years of age. My son Matthias married in September and I will soon be a grandfather for the first time. My wife and I have some wonderful times ahead of us.”

Guangzhou Evergrande hired former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in early June and have won the Chinese Super League for the four last seasons.

Hitzfeld was manager of Switzerland at the 2014 World Cup and is one of five coaches who have won the Champions League with two different clubs – the others being Ernst Happel (Feyenoord and Hamburg), Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan and Real Madrid), Jose Mourinho (Porto and Internazionale) and Jupp Heynckes (Real Madrid and Bayern Munich).

Ottmar Hitzfeld lifts the Championsleague trophy upon the team's arrival at Munich's airport May 24, 2001 Image credit: Reuters

OUR VIEW

In terms of pure salary (excluding endorsements), the €25 million offered would put Hitzfeld 13th on Forbes' highest-paid athletes list. In terms of salary, only Zlatan Ibrahimovic (€29.7m), Lionel Messi (€46.6m) and Cristiano Ronaldo (€47.3m) earn more per season. Quite simply, this is an incredible offer but Hitzfeld has prioritised family life, which is his wont.

What is clear, however, is that Guangzhou Evergrande are a club on the rise: they have a World Cup-winning coach in charge in Luiz Felipe Scolari and have recently acquired Paulinho from Tottenham. They are not afraid to spend money to expedite their rise, and the lure of riches will surely see top class players and managers making their way to the Chinese Super League.

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