Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that he approached Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about managing Germany last summer.

Following the resignation of Rudi Voller in the wake of Germany’s dismal Euro 2004 campaign, Beckenbauer spoke to the Arsenal boss.

“I had a quick talk to Arsene because I am a very good friend of his,” Beckenbauer told BBC Radio Five Live.

“But he said, ‘No, of course it’s a great challenge to manage Germany but I’m happy at Arsenal’.”

Beckenbauer is the president of the 2006 World Cup organising committee and as a former World Cup winner, both as a player and coach, he still commands huge respect in Germany.

“I am a very good friend with Arsene,” added the German.

“And I spoke to him after Rudi left the German national side after a disappointing performance in Portugal.”

But Wenger opted to stay on with Arsenal and last week signed a new contract, which will run until May 2008.