Croatia coach Bilic signs two-year contract

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) - Croatia coach Slaven Bilic signed a new, two-year contract on Monday, just weeks before Euro 2008 kicks off, acknowledging that he decided to stay on despite better offers from abroad.

"We had a lot of much better offers" from different European teams, Bilic told reporters in Zagreb, but added he wanted to "express gratitude" to the soccer federation, which gave him a chance years ago when he was virtually an amateur in coaching.

"They made a courageous move back then," he said.

"Besides, I do believe in myself and this team," he said. "I expect us to make big achievements, not only at Euro, but in the future as well."

Bilic became hugely popular in Croatia after guiding the team to the 2008 European Championship, which starts next month, knocking out England with a 3-2 win at Wembley on the way.

He has been negotiating a new contract for months, asking for higher salaries for himself and his assistants, and improved training conditions for the team.

He did not disclose which foreign team might have lured him, but media speculated about offers from West Ham and HSV, germany. Media reports had also mentioned Bilic as a possible replacement for Sven-Goran Eriksson if the Swede was fired as Manchester City manager.

Neither Bilic nor soccer federation officials disclosed the terms of the new contract, which starts Aug.1 when his current contract expires.

Vlatko Markovic, the head of the Croatian Soccer Federation, said the extension of the contract was "never in question."

"We didn't want to lose Bilic; he achieved a continuity of successes," Markovic said, branding the victory over England "a miracle."

"We are proud that he stayed with us because half the Europe went nuts about him," Markovic said.

Bilic was a member of the Croatia team that finished third at the 1998 World Cup, and previously played for West Ham and Everton.

Before taking over as Croatia coach, Bilic only led country's Under 21 team.

He became a sort of a Croatian brand, with Croats embracing him widely not only because of his successes at the field, but his fighting spirit and cool manners.