SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Brazil coach Tite announced on Tuesday that he is taking a break from his professional career for an indefinite period to address both physical and mental health concerns.

The 63-year-old Tite was anticipated to sign a contract with Corinthians, the club he previously guided to multiple victories including the 2012 Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup championships.

According to local media, Tite, who was dismissed from the local club Flamengo last year, experienced an anxiety attack the night before his flight from Rio de Janeiro, where he resides, to Sao Paulo.

“I need to recognize that as a human being, I have vulnerabilities. Acknowledging this will undoubtedly make me stronger,” stated Tite, who managed Brazil from 2016 to 2022.

“I am passionate about my work and will continue to be, but after discussing with my family and noticing the signs my body was sending, I chose to prioritize my well-being and pause my career for as long as necessary,” the coach said. “There were ongoing discussions with Corinthians, but they must be postponed due to this difficult but essential decision.”

Tite was dismissed from Flamengo on Sept. 30, less than a year after he took the position. He has not been employed since.

Corinthians, who terminated coach Ramón Diáz last week, confirmed they were “very close to finalizing a deal” with Tite, who was expected to “sign the contract and start coaching the team later on Tuesday.”