Xabi Alonso is ready to cut his managerial teeth and hopes that his new vocation will one day lead him back to Liverpool.
The World Cup winner called time on an illustrious playing career at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, as the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star bowed out with Bayern Munich.
He quickly aired an ambition to go into coaching, with there plenty that a man with La Liga, Bundesliga and Champions League crowns to his name can pass on to the next generation.
Alonso has now revealed that he would welcome the opportunity to take the reins at Anfield further down the line, with the 36-year-old having previously spent five productive years on Merseyside.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s Guillem Balague, the classy midfielder said: "Managing Liverpool? Yes for sure, I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare.
"If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there.
"Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways."
Playing Surface/GettyWhile a second spell in England is the ultimate goal for Alonso, he acknowledges that there are others ahead of him in the queue.
Jurgen Klopp is currently at the Liverpool helm and the general consensus is that club icon Steven Gerrard will inherit a managerial post at some stage after proving himself within the academy set-up.
Alonso added: "I think that Stevie will go earlier than me, it's the natural way."
The Spaniard also dismissed any suggestion that he could form part of a dream coaching team alongside Gerrard and fellow Reds legend Jamie Carragher.
He said: "No, I think that Stevie, he's already there so it's going to be sooner rather than later I guess."