New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira has indicated he could be tempted by an opportunity to manage back in his native France.
Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira was appointed at the Major League Soccer club in November last year, having previously managed Manchester City's development squad.
"Some time ago, I talked to some French clubs. Very good clubs," Vieira said. "Unfortunately, for various reasons, it didn't work out. But there are some very interesting projects in France. Out of respect for the clubs in question, I can't say anything."
Vieira also admitted he would find it hard to resist coaching France, who are currently managed by Didier Deschamps, in the future.
"For the moment, I'm ... [he raises his right hand to show that it seems a long way off for him]. However, when you have chosen this line of work, you can't say no," Vieira, who won 107 senior caps, said.
"To coach the French national team is a dream, just as it was a dream to win the World Cup or wear that blue shirt."
Vieira added that he would have welcomed a call from his former club Arsenal to help him decide which path to take after retiring from football in 2011.
He said: "At the end of my career, I was a little disappointed not to get a call to tell me, 'You can come back. Not to be coach, but to find your way.'
"It's Manchester City that gave me that opportunity, even though I had arrived there at the end of my career and didn't play much, and that was difficult to understand
"But with time, I understand things better. Arsene has the right to think we don't deserve it ... but I think there is always a way to open your door if you want to."