Hiddink hints at Chelsea return after Turkey axe

Former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has hinted at a return to England after Turkey failed to qualify for Euro 2012.

And the Dutchman, a close friend of Roman Abramovich, suggested he would be available to take the role as director of football at Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink had his contract with the Turkish FA terminated by mutual consent today (Wednesday) following the playoff defeat to Croatia.

A statement on the official TFF website read: "Following the meeting between Turkish Football Federation Executive Committee and Turkey head coach Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

"We would like to thank Mr Guus Hiddink for his services during his working period, and wish him all the best in his future career."

The 65-year-old said: "I've not made up my mind about the future yet.

"I'm going to take some time off and then we will see what happens, but I had a wonderful time in England."

"It was great at Chelsea, a terrific time, but that doesn't mean I am ready to start tomorrow. I need some time to reflect."

Hiddink won the FA Cup as caretaker boss in 2009 but Carlo Ancelotti was then appointed after he returned full-time to the Russia job.

Now he has been linked with jobs at PSG, Ajax and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. But Hiddink's words after the goalless draw in Croatia suggested he could yet again return to Chelsea in a position above under-pressure Andre Villas-Boas.

"I'm not ready to retire, I like to be involved with a team on a daily basis, but maybe I am ready to step out of the limelight a little bit, away from the cameras," he said.

"Hopefully I will still be involved but perhaps it will be as an adviser or a consultant. I'd like to give advice here and there in order to help new people to take over from the old guard."

Earlier this week, Hiddink's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen said: "Guus received many tempting offers from top European clubs, including English majors, in recent months but Hiddink refused all of them, replying that he respects the contract he has with Turkey."