Bergkamp refuses to rule out a return to football

What will Dennis Bergkamp do now his playing days are over? The Dutch master pondered that question after his testimonial, smiled and replied with a single word: "Nothing."

When the laughter died down, Bergkamp elaborated. After two decades of model professionalism, he was looking forward to life without the pressure or the routine that goes hand-in-hand with top-level football.

"I can bring the kids to school, play golf a little bit, just relax and do other things than what football brings," said Bergkamp.

"In football you are in hotels every weekend, you have to watch your food, be at training at a certain time in the morning. That's how I live with football so now I can have a free weekend. It will be nice to do something different."

"Something different" means football is off Bergkamp's agenda for now, but he is not ruling out a return to the game in some capacity. Coaching is not on the Dutchman's radar but he has discussed a few ideas with Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.

"I've never really thought about coaching," said Bergkamp. "I never believed it was something for me, it didn't attract me in any way. But, sure, when you realise you can't play football anymore but you still love the game, you might come back in some sort of way.

"I spoke to Arsène Wenger about a few things, scouting for example. Like a lot of people he said it would be a shame if I left the game like that and didn't come back.

"I can understand that a little but I have to be a bit selfish at this point, step back, enjoy what I've done, relax a little. I could not step straight into something else, not at all. At the moment I have to say no."

[ Monday, July 24, 2006]

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