Former France manager Raymond Domenech has revealed that he 'dreams of managing' the Republic of Ireland football team.
Domenech led France to the World Cup final in 2006 and was their manager when they qualified for the 2010 World Cup at the expense of Ireland, courtesy of Thierry Henry's handball.
"I have had a few drinks with some Irish. I love those people, I love their spirit."
France subsequently suffered a disastrous collapse at the 2010 World Cup, losing all their group games and exiting at the first hurdle as Domenech fell out with several of his players and rumours of a threatened player strike circled.
Despite being out of management since his time as France manager ended, Domenech revealed that he harbours dreams on one day managing Ireland.
In an interview on French television the 63-year-old said: "There's a national team that I have dreamed of coaching for ages, that's Ireland.
"I have been back there since and I have had a few drinks with some Irish. I love those people, I love their spirit. I was in the stands, it was amazing. Whether it be football or rugby, they don't make the opposing fans enemies.
"They're partners who do something with each other. They drink with them, party with them, they go head-to-head, and once it's finished, they go home."
