Italian World Cup winner Gennaro 'Rino' Gattuso is determined to pursue his coaching ambitions in Europe despite suffering some setbacks.
The former AC Milan defensive midfielder is unfazed by failed stints at Swiss club Sion and Serie B club Palermo this year.
"I'm open to evaluate opportunities. There is nothing concrete at the moment. I like Dubai very much," said Gattuso during an interview with media personnel in Dubai on Thursday.
Gattuso was in Dubai as Brand Ambassador for Eberhard & Co., renowned Swiss manufacturer of fine watches.
Here to present Eberhard & Co.’s exquisite line of finely-crafted timepieces to the discerning watch lovers of the Middle East, Gattuso’s partnership with the Swiss maison reflects the spirit of excellence each have attained in their respective fields – football and watchmaking.
Gattuso proudly showed off the sublimely crafted Chrono 4 Grande Taille in gold at his Dubai appearance.
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders during his prime, is keen to associate him with football as a coach though he has found that being a manager is more complex.
"Being a manager is totally different. As a player you have to think of only yourself. But as manager you are faced with problems of team, players and society. Even though it is same world, it is two different jobs," said Gattuso, 35, who retired last year.
A fine student of the game, he does not enjoy watching football matches as a natural fan.
"I'm more interested in seeing how players play and trainers train," said Gattusso who is set to undergo a coaching internship at Real Madrid, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
He was impressed by Arsenal's playing style and backed the Premier League leaders to go all the way this season.
"Arsenal is beating the odds with young players and I feel this is their year," he said of the Gunners who have not won a trophy since 2005.
As for the 2014 World Cup, he said hosts Brazil were the team to beat.
Reflecting on his playing career, he says luck plays an important role in victory or defeat.
As much as he savours winning the World Cup for Italy in 2006, he cannot fathom how they to Liverpool in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
He says the game has changed since his talismanic midfield partnership with Andrea Pirlo of Itali and AC Milan.
"Now more often it is attack oriented," said Gattusso who was capped 73 times for Italy.
Asked what he looked for in a player, he said: "You need to understand different characteristics of players and need to respect and not pretend they will be same as you were."
Gattusso is certainly learning to analyse and adapt himself to the changing situation as a football manager quite quickly.