The Brazilian coach, who was sacked by the Blues in February, put his signature to an 18-month contract with the Uzbek champions.

Although his move to Bunyodkor sounds a huge demotion in his career, Scolari seems to be enthusiastic about his new role.

"Uzbek football now creates its own success story, especially Bunyodkor with its remarkable dynamism and prospects for the past four years," he said.

"I know that I am in the right place at the right time and in the right team."

The former World Cup-winning coach succeeds fellow countryman Zico, who led Bunyodkor to a domestic double and the Asian Champions League semi-finals last year, before leaving in December to take over CSKA Moscow.