Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that the Football Association's desire to appoint the next England manager before the World Cup cost him the job.
Scolari told the BBC: "They needed to announce the new England coach in a period that was impossible for me.
"Also I wanted to bring my staff to support me in my job - and this possibility was not very clear."
Scolari was interviewed by former Brazil player Leonardo as part of Thursday night's BBC Match of the Day.
The Portugal manager had talks with the FA in April about taking over from Sven-Goran Eriksson but decided to rule himself out of the job.
Scolari said: "Everything was going well but we stopped at a crucial point for both of us.
"They needed to announce the new England coach in a period that was impossible for me. I have a contract until 31 July with Portugal.
"One day I can coach the English team - when I am free"
"We created a very good relationship but the problem was, the person I am, I couldn't decide to be a coach of another country before a World Cup when I was representing Portugal.
"Imagine if I meet England during the World Cup and I have to say to my players, 'Die for Portugal'. I only can say to my players what I really feel.
"Perhaps in Europe it's normal but I am Brazilian and I didn't feel good in that situation."
Scolari revealed that he would still consider becoming England manager in the future.
"Being coach of England is a dream for every coach in the world and I was very happy when the talks happened," he said.
"I liked the people I met from the FA very much. I hope people understand the situation and one day, why not, I can coach the English team, when I am free."
Meanwhile, Scolari, who coached Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, had words of encouragement for their struggling striker Ronaldo.
He said: "He needs time and he will grow up with the team, probably the third or fourth match.
"He is important. He decides matches and if he has two chances, he will score one.
"He's not 100% but even if he is 60%, he makes a difference."