Outgoing Corinthians president Andres Sanchez says the club has the potential to compete with Europe s heavyweights following his tenure.
Sanchez, 47, has completed his four-year term as head of the Sao Paulo giants and will not seek re-election.
He will officially step down on December 15, after which vice president Roberto de Andrade will replace him until the 2012 elections.
Sanchez believes his dynamic leadership means Corinthians will soon start to challenge European clubs on a financial and organisational level.
We are going to be one of the best-structured and richest clubs in the world, he told Globoesporte.
I never promised titles, I promised to rebuild the club I feel fulfilled and I am leaving with my head held high and with the belief that I did the best possible for the fans, who can once more be proud of Corinthians.
Sanchez took over at Estadio Pacaembu in 2008 during a major crisis for the club, which had just been relegated to Serie B.
An instant return to Serie A followed, as did a massive increase in revenue, which is estimated at around 98.5 million euros annually.
Sanchez will also be remembered for the high-profile transfers of Brazil internationals Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Adriano, who have all appeared for the club in recent years.
Under his leadership, the club lifted the Paulista Championship, the Copa do Brasil and, in 2011, their first Brasileiro title since 2005.
