Carlos Queiroz admits it was not an easy decision to leave Manchester United to become Portugal's new national team coach.The 55-year-old stepped down from his position as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari with Portugal.

Queiroz had been touted as a potential replacement for Ferguson when the Scot eventually retires from his Old Trafford role.

But Queiroz concedes the chance to coach his country for a second time was 'impossible' to reject, despite his wish to manage United.

"The decision to leave has not been at all easy," Queiroz told The People.

"These five years in this club have marked me, but to return to Portugal to lead a new project with the national team is something impossible to turn down.

"United have understood my decision although at the start they wanted to convince me to stay.

"When I spoke to the directors and with Alex Ferguson they saw that my mind was made up and they accepted my decision.

"At United I have grown professionally beyond my expectations. I think that it is the best club in the world and I am convinced many coaches would almost pay to hold a post on the coaching team.

"I would have liked to be United's manager, but football has so many twists and turns no-one knows what will happen."

Meanwhile, United midfielder Michael Carrick praised the work of Queiroz during his time as Ferguson's right-hand man.

Carrick told MUTV: "It's always sad to see people leave the club.

"Carlos was a big part of this club and, along with the boss, had a lot to say about how it was run.

"But he's gone on to something different and as players we can appreciate that. We wish him all the best."

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