The former captain of Italy, Andrea Pirlo, has been named the head coach of United FC, the Emirati club in the second tier, announced on Friday.
The former-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the club, also referred to as Dubai United, which competes in the UAE First Division League, one level below the national Pro League.
Pirlo, 46, a pivotal player in Italy's 2006 World Cup victory, has had coaching stints at Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey, and most recently Sampdoria since ending his playing career in 2017.
"We are excited to welcome Andrea to the United FC family," stated United FC president Ilie Cebanu.
"He represents the values and aspirations of our club, and we are confident he will play a crucial role in elevating us to the next level," he added.