The 60-year-old former Brazil and Portugal coach, who was dismissed by the Blues in February after barely six months in charge, penned an 18-month contract at Bunyodkor last week.

Scolari told the Brazilian media: "I received an offer from an English club but Chelsea's contractual clauses prevent me from working in England for a year.

"I had offers from other clubs and national teams. I thought that might lead me to the same situation that I experienced in Chelsea and could have further difficulties.

"That's why I chose this new project, which pleased me much."

Scolari's move to Uzbekistan was initiated by fellow Brazilian Rivaldo, a member of his World Cup-winning squad in 2002, who joined Bunyodkor last year.

"I decided to accept an invitation by Rivaldo, an outstanding person who was for me the most important player of the 2002 World Cup," Scolari continued.

"The other important thing is the structure surrounding the project.

"They want to assemble a team that can fight for places in international competitions and they are building a new stadium, with seven training pitches of excellent quality.

"All this weighed on my decision."

Scolari does not expect his stay in Uzbekistan to be long term, however, and revealed he is planning to retire by 2013 at the latest.

"I'm tired of being away," Scolari added. "I want to go to the beach, and train a team here in Brazil.

"I will continue working as a coach for three, four years at most and then I will definitely retire."