Patrick Kluivert has not ruled out taking a managerial job in the Middle East having received a coaching education from one of the best coaches in the game.

Former Dutch striker Kluivert enjoyed a distinguished playing career among some of the Europe’s elite clubs including Ajax, Barcelona and AC Milan.

Four-way battle begins for Arabian Gulf League title

He was prolific in both Holland and Spain and was also lethal for the Netherlands, scoring 40 goals in 79 appearances and bagging the Golden Boot at Euro 2000.

He has decided to pursue a coaching career following his retirement in 2008 and was assistant to Louis van Gaal as the now Manchester United manager led Holland to the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

Kluivert earned his spurs back home in Holland at AZ Alkmaar, also under Van Gaal, and he says he could have had no better education.

“Experience with one of the best coaches in the world is absolutely fantastic,” said the 38-year-old. 

When Van Gaal moved to take on the coveted role at Old Trafford in the summer, Kluivert was heavily rumoured to be joining him, but the former Barca and Ajax boss picked Ryan Giggs to be his assistant. 

He added: “Van Gaal went to Manchester United. He wanted someone at my position in the club but that was Ryan Giggs, but he told me it was time to stand on my own feet and I’m now on the path to my decision and what I need to do.”

And, he has not ruled out the Gulf being somewhere further along his future career path.

“Why not? Absolutely,” he said. “It’s a vision I have and that I can bring over here. I’m really looking forward to moving forward.”

He would, however, prefer to receive an offer from a club team rather than a national team. 

“I’ve already had some offers from national countries, but I want to be every day on the pitch. 

“If you are coach of the national team you have the team on and off, not working on the process every day.

“Maybe when I am a little bit older but right now I want to focus on a team and make a team, the club and the players better, that for me is the most important thing.”