Former West Ham star Paolo Di Canio has expressed his desire to return to the dugout in English football.

The cult hero, who spent 4 years in east London between 1999-2003, has been a somewhat controversial figure in the game – however his love for the club has never waivered.

The Italian, was speaking exclusively to FootItalia, dropped his biggest hint yet that he’s again in the market to get himself back into management.

“It’s obviously difficult to go back into the dugout after television, and I’m a realistic guy,” said Di Canio. “Even if I look 45 and try to keep fit, it’s not easy. I like to coach on the field.

“I had the chance in the last few years but for a different label. I didn’t accept it. In my opinion I wasn’t in the right environment to accept it because I didn’t want to go only in the Premier League, but the Championship.

“I’m a winner. I want to compete to win. It didn’t happen in the clubs so I decided to keep going with television. Never say never. I still keep fit, myself. Maybe one day. I’m ready any time.”

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker also revealed how much he could be part of this current West Ham side, as he wishes he could be linking up with this kikes of Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta.

“Would’ve been good if I had a chance to have the energy now,” said the Italian. “It would be easier for me because I was in a sort of orchestrator upfront. I was more of an assist man than goalscorer.

“I can imagine Bowen and Kudus now playing with Paqueta and the one-twos, that combination with me would be fantastic with our creativity and imagination.”

Di Canio also expressed his wish that he could have been a part of a fierce London derby with rivals Millwall during his years in east London.

“We know that the Millwall one is the best that you can have,” added Di Canio. “Talking about the feeling, the atmosphere, the history. Unfortunately, I couldn’t play. But a few years after I left West Ham the draw happened.

“Zola was on the bench, he’s my friend. I was thinking how much I would like to be there as a footballer because you know that you can do something special, even if it is only for one match. But that match means a lot. That’s remembered forever for the supporters. But unfortunately I didn’t play this derby.”