Alan Shearer has revealed that he is going to take some time away from football when he finally hangs up his boots at the end of the season.
Shearer planned to retire at the end of the season but a medial ligament injury may have brought his career to an end three games earlier than expected.
The 35-year-old will undergo a scan on Friday to assess the extent of the damage with Monday's 4-1 victory over Sunderland looking increasingly likely to be his last appearance.
His future after retiring at Newcastle has been a source of speculation with an immediate transition to a coaching role at St James' Park touted as his most likely move.
But Shearer revealed that he wants to take time out from the game. "I want some time for myself first. One day I would like a bash at management. I am doing my badges at the moment but I want a few years off to enjoy life first," he said.
Newcastle caretaker-manager Glenn Roeder confirmed that Shearer is determined to pursue a temporary sabbatical from the sport. "Alan seems pretty adamant that he wants to make a clean break," he said.
Newcastle are searching for a permanent manager after sacking Graeme Souness earlier this season with Roeder among the leading candidates.
Shearer feels Roeder has done an impressive job since taking charge but suspects the former Newcastle centre-half may be put off by the baggage that accompanies the position.
"Glenn Roeder has made a fantastic case if he wants to be Newcastle manager but I don't know whether he does with all the stress and torment that goes with management.
"The lads respect him and he has pulled in some fantastic results, none better than on Monday at rivals Sunderland. If he wants it he should go for it, but there are other great candidates out there. Whoever gets it will be lucky."
