Tony Adams has revealed the truth behind the claims that he turned down a coaching role at Arsenal.

The legend was recently named the sporting director of Chongqing Lifan FC, a Chinese Super League club. This happened around the same time that the ex-defender was being linked with Thierry Henry’s vacated role coaching the u18s at London Colney. The way the media were talking, you’d think he had actually confirmed that he was accepting the position, which made it seem odd that he went to China.

Speaking to ESPN, Adams explained that he he wasn’t ever going to take up the role. He was simply helping out in between jobs.

“I said to [Arsenal head of academy] Andries Jonker that I would help out with the U18s,” he said.

“But it was only for a month, in between jobs, for free.”

Explaining his decision to go to China, he added, “Sir Alex Ferguson once said ‘Don’t pick your club, pick your owner’.

“I met the president of the company, which manages the club, at the Euros. I was impressed by his humility, and I felt he was someone that I could work for.”

Adams insists he’s really happy over there, so at least he’s enjoying himself.

“I am really happy to be in Chongqing to experience another new, exciting adventure,” he said.

“I have been looking around for opportunities for a while now, and I have had a fantastic reception here in Chongqing. The fans are very knowledgeable about football.”

This may be an unpopular opinion among Gooners but I’m not sure I would want Adams having a big coaching role at Arsenal. His managerial career so far has been… not so great.

In 2003, he managed Wycombe Wanders. They got relegated to League Two. Tony resigned a year after he joined.

In 2009 he was sacked from Portsmouth after starting as Harry Redknapp’s assistant in 2005, becoming caretaker manager in 2008 and full-time manager soon after that. With him in charge, Pompey only managed to pick up 10 points in 16 games, hence the sacking.

It’s good of Tony to help out at Arsenal for free though…