Jermain Defoe says he's taking a coaching post with Tottenham's academy with the aim of eventually becoming a manager.
Defoe, 39, called time on a 23-year playing career in March and is set to work across the Under-17s to U21s squads at Spurs while he completes his coaching badges.
"You have to be realistic and think there aren't many black coaches but I don't want to waste my time," Defoe, who is also a new club ambassador for Spurs, told the London Evening Standard.
"I'd like to think I'll get an opportunity [to be a manager] somewhere. Not just because I'm black and I want an opportunity. Because I'm good enough.
"No one can say I don't know the game. I made my debut in 1999, I got back in the England squad when I was 34, and I literally just finished playing.
"I've had a long career and I've seen coaching develop, I've seen the game develop and change in terms of tactics. I feel like I've got so much to offer.
"When I look at players I've played with - Stevie [Gerrard], Frank [Lampard], Ashley Cole, who is doing his badges at Chelsea, Joey Barton, Scott Parker- I think, 'If I've been been on the same journey, why can't I do that as well?'"
