Bogota, Nov 15 (IANS): Veteran Colombia coach Jorge Luis Pinto said he turned down offers from abroad to return to Millonarios, where he began his coaching career 34 years ago, because of the winning tradition of the Bogota club.

"The Millonarios shirt encourages everybody. I received offers from several clubs and various national teams, but I wanted to stay close and wear a jersey with which I can win, and that jersey is the Millonarios'," he told reporters here on Wednesday, reports Efe news.

Pinto, 65, said that he would be close to home in Bogota after having spent "10 years travelling around the world" when he coached the national teams of Honduras and Costa Rica, with which he reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup.

"Before I lived in Peru, I lived in other places, but I wanted more stability while still seeking to win, which is why I decided to go with Millonarios," he said.

Pinto said that the most important challenge for Millonarios when he begins his third period with the team will be "to be able to win at home".

Last season under coach Miguel Angel Russo, Millonarios posted a home record of 1 win, 6 draws and 3 losses.