Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed his next move when he eventually retires from playing football.
The 34-year-old, now at Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, is on the verge of his 19th season as a professional footballer.
And with his contract at Stade Louis II expiring at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, it's possible that this could be Fabregas' final pre-season as a player, therefore thoughts have drifted towards the next challenge.
Having played under the likes of Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard has revealed that he would be keen to test himself as a manager after hanging up his boots.
"It's something that’s been inside me for a long time, it’s something I’d like to try," he told talkSPORT. "People tell me I’m crazy because after a long career and so much pressure, going into management is maybe even more pressure!
"It’s something that I like, I want to give it a go. I’m learning, studying, listening from a lot of different people and in football you always keep learning every day so I’m happy about this."
Despite announcing his intention to go into management later in his career, it would appear Fabregas has already planned his first signing if, or when, he lands a job.
Asked which player he would target if he was a manager, Fabregas named a player that fans of any club in the world would love to sign.
He told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope last year: "Cristiano is 35 and Leo is going to turn 33, they are older. For youth, talent, desire and mentality, I would sign Mbappe.
"The thought of having him for ten years up front for my team, I would go for him. Then there are players like Neymar and [Erling] Haaland, but due to his goal getting and his speed, Mbappe reminds me of Thierry Henry.
"I saw him from in behind and it was a delight when you gave him a long pass into space.!"
Arsenal were heavily linked with Mbappe before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain and the future of the World Cup winner continues to attract speculation, with Real Madrid holding long-term interest.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's appointment of Thomas Tuchel in January has naturally led to rumours of a reunion with the Frenchman at Stamford Bridge.
But if Fabregas was to get into management and is lucky enough to take charge at one of his former clubs, it's clear Mbappe will be his number one transfer priority.
