Villas-Boas turned down Marseille to join Zenit

The former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach was unveiled on Thursday and signed a two-year deal with the three-time Russian champions. Marseille are currently coached by caretaker boss Jose Anigo, who replaced Elie Baup in December following a string of poor results. "There were negotiations with Marseille but I decided to sign a contract with Zenit," Villas-Boas said ahead of his first training session. "These things are normal, you choose a place that is better for your career development." R-Sport understands the 36-year-old's contract be worth 8.5 million euros a year. It makes him one of the world's best-paid managers at the Gazprom-backed club. Villas-Boas replaced Italian coach Luciano Spalletti, who was fired last week after a poor run of form in the league with just one win in 11 games, RIA Novosti reports. Villas-Boas will make his Russian debut on Monday when Zenit host Krylya Sovetov Samara in attempt to close a three-point gap from leaders Lokomotiv Moscow.