Scolari, who led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title and took Portugal to the final of Euro 2004, had been widely tipped to succeed Sven Goran Eriksson as England coach after the current World Cup finals.

But the Brazilian withdrew from the race because of the ongoing pressure associated with the high-profile job.

Scolari had met with England FA chief executive Brian Barwick in Lisbon in April to discuss the job but he had become instantly disenchanted with the intense attention the job attracts.

Talking ahead of Portugal's quarterfinal clash with England on Saturday, Scolari said: "Some people like me like to respect contracts and I had a contract with the Portuguese FA. I'm very happy with it.

"If my 'no' to the English FA hurt someone, I'm sorry, but I respect contracts and will stick with Portugal until the end.

"My contract ends on July 31, so I'll be a free coach after that, and can speak with whoever."

The Brazilian added that he was very proud that the English FA came up with their proposal.

"But the timing was not correct. Come July 31 I'm a free man and the Portuguese FA is also free to choose another coach.

"I have some ideals in my life that I like to show my players and I can't break them.

"In the future, who knows? If the English FA comes again with another proposal, probably we can speak again and myabe we can deal."