Renato extends contract as Gremio boss

RIO DE JANEIRO - Gremio head coach Renato Portaluppi has extended his contract for another year, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Thursday.

The 57-year-old's previous deal expired this month and media reports had linked the former Brazil international forward with a move to Europe.

"It is with great satisfaction that we announce that we have reached an agreement with Renato for the renewal of his contract," Gremio said in a statement.

Since his appointment in September 2016, Renato has led Gremio to the Copa do Brasil (2016), Copa Libertadores (2017), Recopa Sudamericana (2018) and two Rio Grande do Sul championships.

He is the only Brazilian to win the Copa Libertadores as a player and a manager.

Gremio finished fourth in the 2019 Brazilian Serie A standings, guaranteeing them a place in next year's Copa Libertadores.

They have been drawn in Group E of South America's top club competition alongside America de Cali, Universidad Catolica and a yet-to-be determined qualifier.