Queiroz named Portugal boss

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as the new head coach of Portugal.

Queiroz has agreed a four-year contract and is to be presented to the media on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old former Real Madrid coach will take full responsibility for all aspects of Portugal’s national teams, including oversight of the youth teams.

He was previously coach of Portugal’s Under-20 teams from 1990 to 1993.

“Carlos Queiroz is unquestionably one of the top Portuguese coaches and was my first choice to be head coach,” said Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Gilbert Madail.

“Although I have never worked with him because he was no longer with the national set-up when I arrived, I have followed his career with much interest and the experience he has gained in all the places he has worked will be important in helping us achieve the success we want.”

``I am very proud and honoured to be able to come back and serve my country,'' said Queiroz.

“It is a very special challenge and a position that any professional would want.

“Since I received the first contact from Dr Gilbert Madail, I have been very receptive to this project.”

Queiroz added that his first priority will be qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“I believe that we have the conditions in place to continue to project an excellent image of our country through the good performances of our national teams, particularly the senior team, whose first objective is qualification for the World Cup in South Africa.

“I also want to thank Manchester United for our established agreement that I could return to Portugal if the opportunity materialised.”

No details of Queiroz’s salary were released, but Madail revealed that the FPF had made a “great effort from a financial point of view” to bring Queiroz in.

“I also want to recognise the co-operation of Manchester United from the beginning of this process,” Madail added.

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been playing under Queiroz at Old Trafford for the last four years, believes the FPF have made a wise choice.

He told Portuguese broadcaster RTP: “He is a perfect choice.

“I have been working with him for some time and I just have to say that he is very good for this job.”