The Dutchman yesterday unexpectedly resigned as coach of Belgium barely six months after taking the role.

Advocaat, who also coaches Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar, revealed today he has held talks with the Russian Football Federation about becoming Guus Hiddink's successor.

"A number of weeks ago I was approached by the Russian Football Federation," he said on www.az.nl.

"I thought about it and decided to stop with Belgium and possibly to accept the offer from Russia.

"The main reason is sporting improvement.

"Russia are at a higher level than Belgium and the likelihood of a European Championship is greater.

"That is the level I am accustomed to working at. Also I know the players well, with six players from Zenit St Petersburg."

Advocaat was boss at Zenit for three years, winning the UEFA Cup in 2008.

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Advocaat was supposed to take charge of Belgium after the World Cup but when they failed to qualify the start date of his two-year contract was brought forward to October 1 last year.

The former Holland coach won his first game in charge, a 2-0 victory over Turkey in their penultimate qualifier, but swiftly followed that up with a 2-0 defeat to Estonia.

Advocaat also led the Belgians to friendly victories over Hungary and Qatar before losing to Croatia last month.

He denied his decision to quit Belgium was motivated by money.

"If I made my choices based on money I would never have become coach of Belgium," he said.

"I am not thinking about the financial aspect, that does not play a role."

The former Rangers boss, who admitted he would not be able to combine the Russia job with coaching AZ, added: "I understand the disappointment in Belgium.

"For the players I find it particularly painful. I have always enjoyed working with the group.

"But ultimately everyone makes his own decisions."