Bresciano takes first step towards management

Australia legend Mark Bresciano has taken the first tentative steps towards extending his post-playing career.

Mark Bresciano is eyeing a managerial career Source: Getty Images

Bresciano, 35, completed his commitments with Qatar club Al Gharafa and is preparing himself for a managerial opportunity should it materialise.

"I am doing a course to become a sporting director," Bresciano told Italy's Tuttomercatoweb.

"I still have to do my thesis and undergo a final exam.

"I have undergone this course because I wanted to learn more about football off the field."

Sporting (football) directors in Italy are responsible for drawing up contracts and signing players.

The man who spent most of his career in Serie A playing for Empoli, Parma, Palermo and Lazio however said he still is not sure if he wants to remain in the game he graced for many years.

"I have not decided if I want to stay in the football environment," he said.

"I have been in the game for many years and we shall see if I have the will to come back to the game.

"I also have to decide at the end of the year whether I should go back to Australia or stay here."

Bresciano, who has played in three FIFA World Cups, will be in Australia shortly to take part in the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Australia's epic win over Uruguay that gave the Socceroos a ticket to the finals in Germany in 2006.

Bresciano scored the only goal of the match in Sydney that went to a shootout which the Socceroos won 4-2.