Former Netherlands and AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf will become the Serie A club’s new coach after announcing an end to his illustrious playing career on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Dutchman, who has no previous coaching experience, told a news conference that he was retiring as a player. He left Milan for Brazil’s Botafogo in 2012.
“This isn’t a goodbye, we’ll meet again,” he said at Botafogo’s stadium.
“All the experience I have gained in this year and a half at Botafogo is going to help me in my next venture, which will be as coach of Milan.”
Seedorf’s agent Deborah Martin said he had signed a two-and-a-half year contract to replace Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired by Milan on Monday following a dismal run of results for the seven-times European champions.
Seedorf said he was not considering retiring but that the offer to return to Milan was too good to turn down.