Arsene Wenger has taken a rare break from trying to arrange a biennial World Cup to discuss his future in the game.
It’s now three-and-a-half years since the legendary Frenchman hung up his ludicrously long coat after two decades of success with Arsenal.
Since leaving the Gunners dugout, Wenger has been appointed the Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA, plotting fundamental changes to the way in which the world’s game is played.
But speaking to Le Parisien via GFFN ahead of a documentary of his life, unsurprisingly called ‘Invincible’, the 72-year-old dropped a couple of hints about his plans in the coming years.
Mikel Arteta’s offer could suit
The second man attempting to replicate Wenger’s feats at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has gone out of his way to welcome his predecessor back to the club.
Speaking at the end of last year, Arteta admitted he would like Wenger to take up a role at the club in order for him to be “much closer” to goings on.
“I think it would be a great help, and it would be a great help for the club,” he said about Wenger possibly returning in some capacity.
“Things take time and I think he has to dictate those timings. What I can say is from my side and I can talk, I think, on behalf of everybody that we would be delighted to have him much closer.”
And Wenger has suggested he would still be open to a more ambassadorial role, explaining: “I’m still interested in experiencing sport at a high level and the quest for results. Even if it might not be directly on the pitch… Being part of a group that has to win is something that interests me.”
Club football is the great appeal
The idea of Wenger taking on the biggest job in English football is still a tantalising one for supporters of the national team.
His ability to not only develop youngsters, but to play with a style that defined an era, means he will always be a dream appointment for some.
He has previously admitted that he turned down the chance to replace Roy Hodgson in 2016 and his latest comments suggest international management is still not in his immediate plans.
“Everything can be imagined,” he said about managing internationally. “I’m more interested in getting results and guiding a club.”
The Arsenal scars remain
Wenger explained that while he was still “addicted” to management, he wasn’t willing to just dive back in for any job.
His time with the Gunners ended on a divisive note with poisonous factions of ‘Wenger In’ vs ‘Wenger Out’ engulfing matchday atmospheres.
He has previously accepted he stayed too long with Arsenal, with his latter years blurring the successes of the first half of his tenure.
Speaking about returning to the game now, he said: "One is never fully cured. You are addicted to it for your entire life."
But asked about jumping back in, Wenger continued: “I don’t think so, no. I hope I’ll have enough wisdom not to dive back in.”
PSG rumours an “invention”
Manchester United fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the managerial situation at Paris Saint-Germain.
Mauricio Pochettino remains many supporters’ top target for the next long-term appointment, although their chances of landing him will be heavily dictated by his job prospects in the French capital.
Zinedine Zidane has long been linked, whilst Wenger’s name is often touted as a potential replacement.
But he has ruled out the chance of taking the job at the Parc des Princes, despite having a close bond with the club.
“It’s pure and simple invention. Even if I have a very good relationship with PSG.”
