Brendan Rodgers claims he has turned down five offers since being dismissed as Liverpool manager last October but may not join a "top club" when he returns.

The Northern Irishman was apparently offered the chance to return to Swansea City in December after his former club sacked Garry Monk, but says that is not the only opportunity that has presented itself as he takes a break from football for the first time in five years.

"I have had five opportunities since I left Liverpool to get back into work, all at clubs I really respect, but I just felt I wanted to take some time out,' he said speaking on TV in Qatar.

"I spoke to Huw Jenkins, the (Swansea) chairman, and people I know well but I made it clear, I was pretty open. Swansea is a wonderful club, and there were also a couple of other Premier League clubs I could have gone back to, but I was open and up front.

"It is very intense when you are in the game," he said.

"I enjoy the scrutiny, and life of being at the leading edge of the game, but that opportunity that presented itself when I left Liverpool gave me the chance to go away for the first time in five years and sit and reflect on how I work and can improve and I hope my next club will benefit from that."

"I had the same situation when I left Reading in December (2009). I had a bit of time out, and my next club, Swansea, benefited from that and it went well, as it did at Liverpool for a period, So I hope this will be the same, I will reflect and then look to get back somewhere by pre-season.

"I needed a bit of time out away from football, only for the fact that three-and-a-half years under such scrutiny was really intense. That time out has allowed me to recharge and give time to my family, which is very difficult when you are in football.

"After the Christmas period, I really started to watch games again, including my son who is at Swindon. Spending time with family is very important to me. I am enjoying doing some TV work and speaking with players."

Rodgers says he could return to football management during the close season, and will not hold out for a club at the level of Liverpool if the opportunity presents itself.

Rodgers spent three-and-a-half years at Anfield after being appointed in May 2012 to succeed Kenny Dalglish, and almost won the Premier League in 2014 with his side finishing only two points behind champions Manchester City.

But they finished sixth last season with Rodgers dismissed earlier this season to make way for Jurgen Klopp with Liverpool 10th in the table after winning only one out of nine matches under him.

"I will go between now and the end of the season to some clubs and take in some fresh ideas and if the right opportunity comes along in the summer I would really love the opportunity to get back in the game," said Rodgers.

"I am open. It is where I feel I can go in and make a difference: a job that will excite me. It doesn't have to necessarily be at a top club.

'It can be at home or abroad. It is just about finding the right opportunity, one that will excite me to go in and somewhere I can help make better."

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