The Arsenal defender, who won 10 major trophies with the club and 66 England caps, has decided to do a three-year course in sports science.

The 35-year-old turned down managerial approaches from five Football league clubs - including Watford.

"I'm tired of learning the hard way," Adams told the Observer newspaper.

"I learned football and life through hard knocks, I think a bit of preparation might go a long way this time.

"I don't think I will make a good manager or coach now. I'm just not qualified."

He was also offered a playing contract with the New York/New Jersey Metrostars but rejected it because of the battering his body had taken over the last three decades.

"I have degeneration in the bones which needs work," he added.

"Arsenal were talking about a guy in America who drills into the area to stimulate bone growth, which sounds a bit horrific.

"I've a bit of a life left and want to walk in a few years time. Enough was enough.

"Even if I had the op and it had worked, I wouldn't have been back before Christmas. The body's packed up on me really."

Adams made nearly 700 appearances for the Gunners after making his debut in 1983 as a 17-year-old.

His final game for Arsenal was his testimonial against Celtic in May, which attracted a crowd of more than 38,000.