Marcello Lippi, one of the most successful managers in football history, spent the last seven years of his career in China, coaching the Chinese Super League's Guangzhou Evergrande and the country's men's national football team. On November 15, 2019, Lippi resigned. On October 22 this year, the 72-year-old announced his retirement from coaching.

Lippi confirmed that he will never be manager again in an interview with Tencent Sports. Meanwhile, he also talked a lot about Chinese football.

Tencent: Are you still following Chinese football?

Lippi: That's a tough question. It's true that I do not watch a lot of CSL games in Italy because only a few are on TV. But I still have many friends in Evergrande and the national team, like Fabio Cannavaro. So it's not hard for me to follow the results of the game and get a knowledge (about Chinese football).

Lippi: I would say China will always be in my heart, and I'm telling the truth. I will always keep an eye on Chinese football, though, as you know, it's not easy to learn too much about it in Italy.

Tencent: A group of great young players emerged in the CSL this year, like Wei Shihao. What do you think of him?

Lippi: Wei is one of the fastest-growing young players in China. I remember he was first in (Shanghai）SIPG and then went to (Beijing) Guoan before he was landed by Evergrande. He grew much more mature in Evergrande. I recruited Wei into the national team when he was young. He is a winger who knows how to stay focused. I also know some other good players.

Lippi: China is doing well in football development. I used to suggest more investments in teenage football and youth development. That should help raise many good players for the first team in the future. Fortunately, they listened to me.

Tencent: China now has many naturalized players. FIFA has made it easier to naturalize players. Alan Kardec and Alex Teixeira may be naturalized too. Did the Chinese Football Association limit the number of naturalized players you could recruit when you were the manager?

Lippi: No, they just told me not to pick too many players who have no Chinese ancestry at all. I believe naturalization can help all national teams. All players with Chinese ancestry around the world can serve the country with what they learn in Europe. They are all important members of the team and are able to make contributions. It's unfair to abandon them.

Tencent: Will you join football again in the future? Have you completely retired as a manager?

Lippi: I want to clear up that I only do not want coach anymore, but that does not mean I will turn down any (football) job offered to me in the future. If one day, a national team needs my help or experience, and I don't have to be a manager, I will accept it if the position is proper.