Fabio Cannavaro steps down as China coach

Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro on Sunday announced his decision to step down as head coach of the Chinese National Football Team to focus on his role with Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao Football Club.

Cannavaro took to Instagram to announce his decision. He wrote: "Out of respect for the country that has been hosting me for some years, I feel the duty to communicate that I have renounced my position as Head Coach of the Chinese National Football Team. I wish to sincerely thank Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club and the Chinese Football Association for having offered me the position of the Head Coach of the two most important football teams in the country; however, this double assignment would take me away from my family for too long."

"More than one month ago I informed my Club about my intention to dedicate myself exclusively to my squad and my players. By maintaining only the position as Head Coach of Guangzhou Evergrande, I hope to contribute to the growth of young Chinese football players, working every day with passion and professionalism," he added.

Cannavaro also expressed gratitude to the Chinese National team and wished them luck for their qualification in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. "I wish the Chinese National Team all the best for the qualifications to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Thanks again to everybody," he wrote.

Cannavaro's decision came after just two matches in charge of the national team. The team lost both the matches to Thailand and Uzbekistan in the China Cup last month.

Cannavaro was sacked from Evergrande in 2015; however, he made a return in 2017.

In the ongoing Chinese Super League (CSL), Evergrande witnessed just one defeat out of seven matches and sits on the second position in the points table, only behind Beijing Guoan.