NBA star Dirk Nowitzki would be welcome to take an advisory role with Bayern Munich when he retires from playing for the Dallas Mavericks, says Uli Hoeness, who also talked up the idea of hosting a team such as the Chicago Bulls at the Allianz Arena.
Former Bayern player, general manager and president Hoeness told Bild he would happily see Nowitzki, a lifelong supporter of the football club, back in Bavaria when he calls time on his basketball career.
"If Dirk is looking for a role as an advisor after his playing career is over, then he would be warmly welcomed," he said.
However, Hoeness ruled out the Bavarian-born 38-year-old, who is set to sign a new two-year deal worth $40 million, actually turning out as a player for the 2014 Bundesliga champions' basketball team.
"We still couldn't afford him even if we used the entire €10m team budget," he said.
Hoeness also spoke of his desire to host an NBA side in the Allianz Arena at some point in the future.
"Perhaps, at some stage, when we have a great team, we can stage a big match at the Allianz Arena in front of a crowd of 60,000 or 70,000," he said. "I could imagine a game perhaps against the Chicago Bulls or whoever. But first we have to improve a little."
Hoeness, Bayern president between 2009 and 2014, was released from prison in February after serving 21 months for tax evasion. He is expected to be re-elected unopposed into the role for another term at next month's Annual General Meeting.