"The fact that clubs have shown an interest has whetted my appetite," he told the BBC. "When I said I was retiring that was the intention, but with the caveat that if somewhere in the future an opportunity came along, I would consider it.
"But it would have to be the right offer for both parties. It's not a question of finance or money, but purely for football reasons. I have missed the playing side. Football has been part of my life since I was eight years old.
"But one of the reasons I have been happy to stay out as long as I have is the peripheral side, the demands on players from outside football and the scrutiny they come under.
"I miss the playing side, but I don't miss all the other stuff."