Cannavaro returns to Guangzhou Evergrande

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Fabio Cannavaro has signed a five-year deal with Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday, marking the beginning of the second spell for the Italian coach at the seven-time CSL champions.

There had been extensive speculation that Cannavaro might return to Guangzhou after Luiz Felipe Scolari quit the club after the season ended. Now with the deal being made, Cannavaro will have a chance to guide the club for the treble and their eighth CSL title next season.

Cannavaro spent a short time at Guangzhou Evergrande, taking charge in 2014 after Marcello Lippi stepped down. But he was sacked after only six months.

Fabio Cannavaro at the contract-signing ceremony /CGTN Photo‍

The Italian then took over the Chinese first division club Tianjin Quanjian in 2016 and led them to the promotion to the CSL. He has been enjoying a successful year in Tianjin. Quanjian finished third place in the league and earned a spot in the next year’s AFC Champions League.

Cannavaro took over the Chinese first division club Tianjin Quanjian in 2016 and led them to the top flight. Last season, Cannavaro steered the newly-promoted squad to third place in the league and was nominated for coach of the year.

"It's a great honor for me to return to Guangzhou. I said before that I would return one day. I made it, and it was lucky as I am more experienced in the Chinese Super League now. The club's master plan for the next few years really made me excited. I am happy to work together with all the staff from the club," Cannavaro said.

1889km