The real reason behind Fabio Cannavaro’s decision to coach Uzbekistan’s national football team instead of China has been revealed — and it wasn’t about money.
Chinese outlet 163Com initially reported that China had offered the Italian legend €500K per year, while Uzbekistan proposed €4 mln annually, prompting his decision. However, Uzbek media Jamin has clarified that Cannavaro’s salary is less than half that figure.
Instead, Cannavaro chose Uzbekistan for a far more compelling reason — the nation’s qualification for the 2026 North-China World Cup and the seriousness of its long-term football project.
«I received offers from seven or eight teams,» Cannavaro said at his first press conference in Tashkent. «But I chose Uzbekistan because it had already qualified for the World Cup and because of the seriousness of its project. I want to help write a new chapter in Uzbek football.»
Reports also suggest that China’s offer included harsh termination clauses, allowing the federation to end the contract without compensation if results were unsatisfactory — a term Cannavaro reportedly found «disrespectful.»
Uzbekistan, on the other hand, offered him a 2+3 year contract, entrusting him with both the senior and youth programs through the Asian Cup.
«I want to stay here for a long time,» Cannavaro said. «I came with passion, and I’ll focus on developing both the national team and youth football.»
Cristiano Ronaldo has been honoured by Portugal for his extraordinary two-decade career with the national team, marking over 22 years since his debut.
