FREE FourFourTwo newsletters for all!

Register now and get:
  • The inside track on the big issues
  • Tactical insight from our experts
  • Players to watch
  • Analysis & humour
  • Exclusive competitions
  • Stick-men drawings
  • WAGs, bets, bargains & more
See a sample newsletter
Sign up now to avoid disappointment
And why not check out the magazine?

Cannavaro seals Al Ahli switch

Reuters - Wednesday 02 June 2010, 12:14

MILAN - Italy's World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro will see out the twilight of his career in Dubai after signing a two-year deal with United Arab Emirates champions Al Ahli on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old defender, who has won an Italian record of 132 caps but has been short of form this term, will move from Juventus after the June 11-July 11 World Cup in South Africa.

Chairman Abdullah Al Naboodah told the club's website: "We have signed a contract with 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro for two years.

GEAR: Check out Italy's WC kits

"This deal with a player like Cannavaro is one of the most important deals for us because he's a player with great experience and talent. He is also one of the best defenders in the world."

Cannavaro's previous clubs include Napoli, Parma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

"I was already thinking of moving to Dubai," Cannavaro added in the statement.

Although his experience will be valued by his new club, as a player in Serie A this season he has been a shadow of the centre-back who was the bedrock of Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph.

Cannavaro returned to Juve for a second spell last year but he struggled consistently as age caught up with him and the Turin club, who finished a dismal seventh in Serie A, never showed any signs of offering him a new deal.

He had wanted to finish his career with brother Paolo at hometown team Napoli but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis said he was too old.

Follow FFT.com on Twitter
Join FFT.com on Facebook


Top Stories

Poll

Who should be the next Liverpool manager?

  • Fabio Capello
    13 %
  • Didier Deschamps
    5 %
  • Louis van Gaal
    16 %
  • Jurgen Klinsmann
    8 %
  • Roberto Martinez
    26 %
  • Andre Villas-Boas
    33 %

Spotlight

Special issue on Euro 2012

In-depth analysis and 16 player interviews

Advertisement

Spotlight

Have you ever been away?

FFT's guides to football travel

The FFT Rich List

Who owns your club?