26.02.2015 19:23 h

'Tired' Lippi leaves Guangzhou Evergrande

Coaching legend Marcello Lippi is "going back to Italy" after announcing on Thursday his resignation as director of football at Chinese Super League champions Guanghzou Evergrande.

The Italian coach, who led the Chinese giants to three straight CSL titles, one Chinese FA Cup and the Asian Champions League crown in 2013, had been serving as sporting director since November.

"I will not coach in China anymore, I'm going back to Italy, I'm a little tired," the 66-year old coach told Gazzetta TV.

Lippi revealed that he might continue his coaching career with a national side.

"Guangzhou will be my last stop as club team coach. I am going back home for a break," the 2006 World Cup-winning coach explained.

"But I am still enjoying the job, if I have the chance to coach a national team, I will consider spending one or two years doing that. But if no-one calls me, that's fine too."

Lippi's successor at Guangzhou is Fabio Cannavaro, who was his captain when Italy won the World Cup.