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Hiddink to retire after 2010 WC
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February 15, 2009 21:15 IST

Russia [Images] and Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has said he plans to retire from football after the 2010 World Cup.

The 62-year-old Dutchman will manage Premier League Chelsea until the end of the season after taking over last week from the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari [Images].

"I think I will quit in the summer of 2010 after the World Cup," Hiddink told the Sunday Mirror.

"From then on I am just going to ride around on my Harley-Davidson and I will be more of an ambassador for Nike."

"And I'll take care, privately, of my own project for the poor in Tanzania," he added.

Hiddink, who watched his new side's 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory at Watford on Saturday, said that Champions League qualification was his main priority.

"Chelsea want to qualify for the Champions League. That is the mission I have been given by (owner) Roman Abramovich -- it's as simple as that."

"It is a massive challenge, but I think I can handle the task when I look at the quality of the squad."

Abramovich also pays Hiddink's wages as Russia coach and, if the former South Korea and Australia [Images] manager's tenure is successful, the Russian billionaire could look to extend the dual management deal.

"You never know. In principle I am supposed to return to the Russian Federation (at the end of this season)," Hiddink said.

"There are a couple of scenarios. I just go back or I do well and we'll see."

Chelsea trail Premier League leaders Manchester United [Images] by seven points, which could be extended to 10 if United win their game in hand against Fulham on Wednesday.

Hiddink, who will be based in London [Images] for the rest of the season, takes Chelsea to Aston Villa three days later in his first match in charge.

"I will have to be here for about four months. I need to be close to the club -- it is a day-to-day job. It will be a big job and certainly not an easy one."



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