After a decade out of the game, Gabriel Batistuta wants back in and this time, as a coach.
The former Argentine forward, among the greatest strikers of his generation, stopped playing in 2005 and has since led a comfortable retired life in rural Argentina.
But speaking at a seminar in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Batistuta said he would not mind a coaching post. And he was open to starting his career in the UAE, following in the footsteps of one-time national teammate, Diego Maradona.
"There is plenty of opportunity to see me as a coach here," he said. "I am free so why not? I am free and I like living here, and the lifestyle, so why not? I am open for a chance."
He said, however, that he had not spoken to any club yet in the UAE.
Batistuta, who celebrated his 46th birthday at the seminar, scored 249 coals in 413 league appearances in Argentina, Italy and Qatar, as well as a record 56 goals in just 78 Argentina games.
"[As a coach] I can try to put my experience on the pitch. I can talk. I have big experience but I need the chance to practice on the pitch."
He said he watched bits of the UAE in the Asian Cup and was impressed with their performances.
"I can see that the UAE is growing a lot as a football country and there is plenty of opportunity to keep going and improve. It is a big chance for a new generation to become first on the continent.
osamiuddin@thenational.ae
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