Arsène Wenger says he has received “enquiries from all over the world” as he plans a return to football in January.
The 68-year-old ended his 22-year reign at Arsenal at the end of last season but following some time out of the game, the Frenchman – who won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups with the Gunners – feels ready to step back into the dugout.
In an interview with German newspaper Bild, Wenger said he expected to take up the offer of a new job again early next year: “I believe I will start again on 1 January. I don’t know where yet. I feel rested and am ready to work again.
“There are associations, national teams, it could also be in Japan. From my 22 years at Arsenal, I have big experience on different levels. There are enquiries from all over the world.”
Wenger also addressed the matter of the Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil ending his international career with Germany following their disappointing World Cup and his falling out with the national federation.
He said: “I believe that Germany needs Özil. I hope that Joachim Löw can convince him that he will come back. Özil is a super football player – he was not the worst in the World Cup. I did not love that he left the German national team.
“I love it when the players are as good as possible. He loses a bit if he does not play at international level.”