But Portugal's Brazilian coach, Luis Felipe Scolari, denied that he had signed a deal to join Benfica in the new season.
"This is stupid and a lack of respect towards me and my players and I will not allow it," said Scolari, who led Brazil to its fifth World Cup triumph two years ago. "If there was ever an invitation to join Benfica, that invitation ends right now. If I ever stop coaching the Portuguese team I will certainly not join Benfica.
"I won't allow anyone to mind my business and to upset my players."
The European Championship cup ended a two-month tour through Portugal on Tuesday, arriving in Porto for the opening game of Euro 2004.
The Henri Delaunay trophy passed through 26 cities in Portugal where fans were eager to admire the cup, which will be handed over to the victorious captain on July 4.
"The reception of the people was most warm. And in some cities, I remember people didn't want the exhibition to be shut at the end of the day. It was crazy," said Oscar Soarez, who organized the tour.
SLOGANS AND SONG
Each of the 16 nations taking part in Euro 2004 has chosen a slogan to be pasted on its team bus.
Italy rides with "Passione Azzurra" -- "Blue Passion." A fan won a competition for the slogan on the England bus: "Follow the roaring lions, the pride of England."
The official song for Euro 2004 is Nelly Furtado's "Forca," taken from her November, 2003 album. Composed and sung by Furtado, it is inspired by the passion that the "Portuguese people have for football."
While born in Canada, Furtado's parents emigrated from the Portuguese archipelago Azores.
The song mixes English and Portuguese lyrics.
In addition to being played at stadiums and official functions throughout the tournament, Furtado will sing the song live before the July 4 final.
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