RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Former Argentina and Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli has described his new role in charge of Brazil's Santos as the "most important" challenge of his career.
The 58-year-old faced the media for the first time late on Tuesday after signing a two-year contract with the eight-time Brazilians Serie A champions a day earlier.
"This challenge is the most important of my career because it is the one that is in front of me," he told reporters. "People know what they are going to see from me and I have to make sure that my style (of play) is successful in a difficult competition."
Sampaoli had been out of work since parting ways with Argentina following the Albiceleste's underwhelming performance at this year's World Cup in Russia.
He said he has since received offers from a host of clubs in Latin America, Europe and Asia.
"After analyzing a lot of proposals, the opportunity to join Santos came about," the Argentine said. "I believe that I'm where the cradle of football is, where the best players that are exported to Europe come from."
Sampaoli also expressed a desire to meet the club's most famous player, Pele, in the near future.
"It's incredible to be at the same club where Pele played," he said. "To be honest I'm really looking forward to seeing him soon."
Santos finished 10th in Brazils top division this year. Their former coach Cuca stepped down last month because of health problems.
