PARIS: Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as United FC coach, the Emirati second-tier club United FC announced on Friday.

The ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club, also known as Dubai United, who play in the UAE First Division League, one tier below the country`s Pro League.

Pirlo, 46, a key player in Italy`s 2006 World Cuptriumph, has had spells in charge of Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkey and most recently Sampdoria since retiring from playing in 2017.

`We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family,` United FC president Ilie Cebanu said.

`He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level,` he added.-AFP