Lippi leaves everlasting legacy to Chinese soccer

Coaching legend Marcello Lippi departed but left great legacy to the Chinese soccer.

Through Lippi, the Chinese soccer had a close touch with the advanced tactics and training, the effective way to nurture young talents, and the progressive management of a club.

During his three years in China, the World Cup-winning coach led Guangzhou Evergrande to three straight Chiense Super League (CSL) titles, one Chinese FA Cup crown and the AFC Champions League champion in 2013, thus to become the first-ever coach to win both the Asian title and the European equivalent.

Since the arrival of Lippi in May 2012, many key positions of the Chinese national team have been occupied by Evergrande's players, such as captain and playmaker Zheng Zhi, forward Gao Lin, and central defender Zhang Linpeng.

Zheng Zhi has ever said that it is Lippi who boosts their teamwork, spirit, and the ability of reading matches in a short period of time.

The 66-year-old Lippi has resigned as the coach and the technical director of Guangzhou Evergrande, citing health and family considerations.

The club accepted his resignation on Thursday afternoon.

"Due to health and family reasons, Lippi recently applied for an early end to his contract. Through deliberation, the board of directors accepted his resignation," the club said in an official statement.

"Both sides agree that Lippi will no longer be the head coach of Evergrande from March 1, 2015," the statement added.

The club heaped praise on the 66-year-old Lippi, hailing him as "a great tactician, a gentleman and a huge contributor to Chinese soccer."

"World famous coach Lippi took the helm of Evergrande on May 17, 2012. Since then, he has got along very well with the club, working hard to build a strong and high-spirited squad for Guangzhou as well as for China," said the statement.

"Lippi opened a new era for Guangzhou and Chinese soccer. Under his guidance, Evergrande claimed the Chinese top-flight league in 2012, 2013 and 2014, won the CFA Cup in 2012, and made the history by taking the AFC Champions League title for the first time in 2013.

"As a world top class coach and a great tactician, Lippi has not only brought victories and champion's trophies to Guangzhou, but also made great contributions to the development of the Chinese soccer.

"A gentleman with a great personality, Lippi is also a football messenger and a beloved friend to hundreds of millions of Chinese fans."

Italian Fabio Cannavaro, 41, former world player of the year and a World Cup winner in 2006, will formally succeed Lippi to take the rein of Evergrande.