Aitor Karanka says he is open to managing any league, as he plots his next step in management.
Karanka departed Nottingham Forest in January after a year in charge at the City Ground, with the Reds four points adrift of the Championship’s play-off pack, and says he had no regrets about opting to leave the club after his relationship with the club's board deteriorated.
"No," he said when quizzed whether or not he regretted his Trentside departure.
"When I made decisions, as well as leaving Middlesbrough, I thought it was the best thing to see if with my departure there is that effect that usually occurs when there is a change of coach ... but in neither of the two cases."
His stint at Forest was just his second in management, after guiding Middlesbrough to promotion to the Premier League having enjoyed a spell as assistant boss to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, prior to his step up to being number one.
“Now the 'movie' has changed a bit," Karanka said.
“When I left Middlesbrough I only thought about continuing in England, whether it was Championship or Premier League, which obviously would have been much better.
“Now I am open to any league,” he told Spanish newspaper Marca.
“Yes. Two to three years ago it would have been impossible, but right now it is a door that is open.”
Karanka has explained how his move into management came about, after opting to depart Madrid and seek a solo position, which eventually led him to Teesside and then the East Midlands.
“It was a bit of everything,” said the 45-year-old.
“I had the option to go with (Jose) Mourinho to Chelsea or to continue in Madrid because I had another three years of contract, but we decided that it was best to go out and start my solo career.
“At the family level we wanted to know another language, another culture ... and the possibility of going to Middlesbrough arose. I will always say: 'That is the best decision I could make'."
Since leaving Forest in the New Year, Karanka has been linked to jobs with the Spanish national team, as well as a return to the Bernabeu.
“Rumours always come to you, but living from that ... What it gives you to be there is to work and for people to see that, wherever you go, you improve what you do, and that you give everything for the club in which you work,” added Karanka.
