JAAP STAM WAS infamously told he was being sold to Lazio when Sir Alex Ferguson met him in a petrol station and broke the news.

But in spite of the traumatic way he left Manchester United in 2001, he is now willing to return to the Premier League – as a coach.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, the 43-year-old – who also played for AC Milan, Ajax and PSV revealed there has been tentative interest in his services already.

As soon as I get the opportunity to work in England, I will go for it. There has been some interest already, but that’s all I can say. Of course, I still have to prove myself at the top level. Not every great player becomes a great coach.”

Stam is currently in charge of the reserve team at Ajax and having seen the success attained by another Dutchman in the top-flight, is motivated to return to the league he graced for three seasons.

Matthew Ashton / EMPICS Sport Matthew Ashton / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport

“Coming back to England and seeing Ronald (Koeman) at Southampton has really opened my heart again. Football in England is booming. The Premier League is the best league in the world and the facilities for coaches and managers are fantastic.”

Stam enjoyed immense success while at United, winning three successive league titles and being part of the 1999 Treble-winning side.

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