"Hamburg's offer made me proud but I would like to extend my stay with Croatia," the 39-year-old tactician told Bild.

Bilic's contract expires after the Euro 2008 finals and he has been short listed by Hamburg bosses to take over from current boss Huub Stevens who will move to PSV Eindhoven.

"They wanted to hire me. They gave me an offer and we held talks but at the end of the day I rejected it."

Bilic made a huge impact with Croatia after reaching the Euro 2008 finals going over England.