Former France coach Raymond Domenech has told L'Equipe he will return to football as the head of a national team and has reiterated his admiration for Republic of Ireland.
Domenech has been working as a media pundit since leaving the France job following the disastrous 2010 World Cup.
Having steered Les Bleus to the 2006 World Cup final -- losing on penalties to Italy -- his reputation was badly tarnished by events four years later in South Africa, where the entire squad went on strike following Nicolas Anelka's exclusion after the striker had insulted Domenech.
The 63-year-old revealed he has already rejected six offers of employment from clubs and national teams, but insisted he will return one day to the dugout.
"I would happily take charge of a national team," he said. "I spoke jokingly about Ireland the other day on Ma Chaine Sport, but I really love that country and their spirit. I love people who can be happy when they drink.
"No one knows this, but I was on a three-man shortlist [for the Republic of Ireland job] before I took charge of France and when I was under-21 coach. It was in 2003 and the Irish eventually chose Brian Kerr, their under-21 coach."
Domenech conceded he is uncertain whether or not he can still be a success as a coach given his lengthy absence from the touchline.
"That's the question I ask myself every time," said Domenech, who led France for six years. "I don't know, the question remains hanging in the air.
"I watch training sessions, I note changes, particularly in terms of athletic preparation, and that sessions aren't different in terms of the game. You always have to vary things and be interested. I'm not afraid of that, but I do ask myself the question."