Ottmar Hitzfeld rejects $28.8m offer to coach in China

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Legendary German soccer coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has resisted the temptation to come out of retirement despite receiving a lucrative offer from the Chinese Super League.

The former Bayern Munich and Switzerland boss told German media outlet Sport Bild that a Chinese club were willing to pay him 28.8 million U.S. dollars for a one-year-and-half contract, but the 69-year-old revealed he has snubbed the chance to move to China.

"I had received many sensational job offers, particularly from China. For just one year and a half, they offered me a salary of €25m. That was incredible," said the veteran tactician, who bowed out of soccer management following his Switzerland side's elimination from the World Cup in the summer of 2014.

Ottmar Hitzfeld (R) showcases the Bundesliga champions trophy with his then Bayern Munich talisman Stefan Effenberg after winning the league title on May 19, 2001. /VCG Photo

"I discussed the offer with my family. My son could have told me that the money would become a family heritage and would belong to him one day, so I could not turn it down," Hitzfeld added.

"But in reality, he was quite sensible and told me 'don't put too much pressure on yourself.' I was very pleased with my son's attitude about this."

Regarded as one of the most successful soccer coaches of the modern era, Hitzfeld has won 18 major titles, with two Champions League final victories among his glittering managerial CV.