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Luiz Felipe Scolari confirms contact from Colombia over manager role

Former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed he has been contacted by Colombian Football Federation over the national team's vacant manager role.

Scolari led Palmeiras to the 2018 title and, speaking at the Brazilian Bola de Prata awards, said he will consider the opportunity now that the season is over.

"There has been an approach, yes [by Colombia]," he told ESPN Brasil. "It is a role which, now that the season is over, we can think about more clearly.

"Over the past 20, 25 years, I have spent 80 percent of my time outside Brazil. So I need to think about certain family aspects.

"I also have another family: the Palmeiras family. The way in which they respected me, received me, the connection between Palmeiras fans, I need to think.

"You need to know that, when you are in a place where you are respected, it is worth more than other values and situations you have thought about."

Jose Pekerman left his role as manager of Colombia after the 2018 World Cup, where the Cafeteros lost to England on penalties in the round of 16, and have since been under the guidance of under-20 boss Arturo Reyes on an interim basis.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras' Colombian forward Borja said he has been urging Scolari to take the role.

"I have been trying to convince him," Borja told reporters after Palmeiras' final match of the season. "We know he is happy here and constantly working to improve Palmeiras.

"If he were to go to Colombia, it would be very good. He is a great manager, a world champion. I am talking to him, trying to convince him. I spoke to him, but it's not easy."

Scolari, 70, has been in management since 1982 and famously led Brazil to a World Cup triumph in 2002.

As well as winning league titles in in Uzbekistan, China and two in his native Brazil, Scolari has enjoyed continental success in South America and Asia, while he also took Portugal to the Euro 2004 final.

In 2006, Scolari was first choice candidate to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss, but a deal fell through and Steve McClaren was appointed instead. Two years later, he was named Chelsea manager, but was dismissed after eight months.

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