Cannavaro Steps Down As Manager Of China National Team

By Max Wise

Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro, has stepped down as head coach of the Chinese national team.

Cannavaro, who is also the manager of Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, was only appointed in the middle of March, and oversaw just two games in charge of the team.

Both games ended in 1-0 defeats to Thailand and Uzbekistan in the China cup as Cannavaro juggled his club commitments with that of the national team.

Cannavaro cited family commitments as part of the reason why he was abandoning his post as manager of the Chinese national team.

"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," Cannavaro wrote via Instagram.

"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.

"I wish the Chinese National Team all the best for the qualifications to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Thanks again to everybody."

Cannavaro,45, retired from football in 2011 at the age of 37 and played for the likes of Parma, Napoli, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid during his career.