RIO DE JANEIRO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Argentine manager Jorge Sampaoli is planning to stay in Brazil over the long-term, regardless of his future at Santos, according to club president Jose Carlos Peres.

Sampaoli began a two-year deal in charge of Santos in January, six months after his sacking as Argentina's head coach following the Albiceleste's last 16 exit from the World Cup in Russia.

And he has adapted quickly to life in the southeastern port city, incorporating bike rides and beach activities into his own routine.

"Sampaoli is in love with the city," Peres told Radio Bandeirantes. "People like him very much because he goes to the beach to play volleyball, talks to everyone and treats everybody well. Sampaoli is wanting to learn Portuguese, he told me that he has no interest in leaving Brazil and said he could manage another local team, but that he will always return to the city of Santos."

The 59-year-old is a regular player of footvolley and futmesa - a mix of beach football and ping pong - on Santos's beaches and is an avid user of the city's vast bike path network.

More importantly, Sampaoli has lifted his players' spirits after a disappointing 2018 season.

Despite financial problems that have hindered Sampaoli's transfer hopes and led to long salary delays for players, Santos made the semifinals of the Paulista championship, losing to Corinthians on penalties earlier this month.