Zico left his role as coach of Turkish side Fenerbahce earlier this month, and was tipped to be a candidate for the vacant Chelsea post following the sacking of Avram Grant.

However, the Stamford Bridge outfit announced on Wednesday that Scolari will take charge of the club from July 1, leaving the Portuguese FA looking for a new coach.

Zico has now emerged in the Portuguese press as one of the favourites to take over the role, and he admits he would like the chance to test himself at international level.

"Of course the chance to coach a top national side or club is always good, even if it's just to test your ability to work at that level," he told Brazilian television station SporTV.

"The Portuguese national side is today seen as one of the best in Europe, and they have the best player in the world.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is having a great time. Who wouldn't want to coach a team like that."

Zico denied that he had ever received contact from Chelsea before Scolari's appointment, and said he had not been contacted by any club since leaving his post in Turkey.

"When you leave a club you become a candidate for the vacancies at every other one, and this gets very confusing," he continued.

"Officially the only club to have contacted me was Benfica when I was still with Fenerbahce."

Other candidates being touted by the Portuguese press to replace Scolari include fellow Brazilian Wanderlei Luxemburgo and former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.