Badminton legend Lee Chong Wei won't be lured into leaving Malaysia and his expertise made use of by others.
The former world No 1 made his stand clear yesterday — he is staying put in Malaysia.
Three-time Olympic silver medallist Chong Wei denied that he would be joining the BA of Singapore (BAS) after a report by the republic's Chinese daily, Lianhe Zaobao, on Thursday sparked talks that he would join them as the new singles head coach.
Lianhe Zaobao reported that while a BAS spokesman had declined to comment about the prospects of Chong Wei's recruitment, he did confirm that the appointment of a new singles head coach will be announced soon.
BAS are seeking someone to replace renowned Indonesian coach Mulyo Handoyo, who stepped down in February following a four-year successful stint where he inspired Loh Kean Yew to Singapore's first ever world title last year.
Mulyo was also known to have a hand in the rise of Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia and India's K. Srikanth.
Chong Wei made it clear that he has no intention to relocate abroad, let alone venturing into coaching.
"I was aware of the report coming out of Singapore. But it's definitely not me, even the Singapore media want to jump on the bandwagon," said the four-time All England champion.
"I don't think I'm ready to go into coaching yet. Most importantly, there's no way that I will be working abroad. Both my kids are still young, I want to see to them grow up. My family remains my utmost priority, I want to devote all my precious time to them."
Chong Wei had earlier revealed to Timesport that he had been approached by several Asian countries to do coaching, but he did not commit himself.
Chong Wei also stressed that if he goes into coaching, he would start with the BA of Malaysia.
"I have been getting offers to coach every now and then ever since I retired (in June 2019), it's not just recently. But I have never committed to any," he said.
"In all honesty, I don't know I'm good enough to coach. But if it's a consultancy role, then it's something I'm probably up for it.
"In fact I do enjoy providing advice and insights to players. (Taiwan's world No 4) Chou Tien Chen, who's a good friend of mine for instance, has often sought my thoughts on his game.
"As for BAM, it's certainly flattering to know that the door is always open for me. But at the moment, I don't think I fit in the structure as they already have three good coaches, (Wong) Choong Hann, Hendrawan and (Tey) Seu Bock to handle the men's singles.
"But rest assured that if I were to make a comeback, my first choice will be with the national team."