Former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba wants to stay in the game after announcing his retirement.
Ba announced his playing retirement last week after leaving Swiss club Lugano.
Senegal international Ba has since flown to visit Ralf Rangnick, his former coach and mentor at Hoffenheim.
Rangnick, 63, now works as head of sports and development for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow.
The German's tactical approach has previously inspired Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp.
Ba, 36, told Sport-Express.ru: "I would be happy to become a sporting director in future. I want to learn from Ralf Rangnick.
"I couldn't imagine anyone better than him to learn from, as he is the best.
"I have kept in touch with him since leaving Hoffenheim, and he had a big impact on my playing career.
"Now he will influence my post-playing career as well. I will learn from him as long as we are both alive.
"Everyone knows that Thomas Tuchel studied directly with Rangnick.
"Ralph's ideas inspired Jurgen Klopp, and many other coaches. He changed German football.
"Of all the countries I have played in, England was the one most right for me."
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