Italy great Roberto Baggio has hinted he might agree to coach China.
During a promotional tour of the Asian country ahead of next year's Beijing Olympics, the former FIFA World Player of the Year was asked whether he might take on the vacant job of national coach.
"Never say never. Unexpected situations can crop up from one day to the next in soccer," replied Italy's best-known Buddhist.
Baggio, the only Italian to score in three World Cups, vies with Pele' and Franz Beckenbauer as China's biggest soccer idol.
The 40-year-old has been reported as considering a job in soccer management since he retired in 2004 after spells at Vicenza, Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, Bologna, Inter and Brescia.
Soccer is hugely popular in China and the nations' fans were devastated last month when their heroes failed to get past the group stage of the Asia Cup for the first time since 1980.
Coach Zhu Guanghu was sacked and has yet to be replaced.
