Defending UAE League champions Al Ahli have announced the shock signing of Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro on a two-year deal.
The 36-year-old defender, who has 132 caps for his country and led them to World Cup success in 2006, is believed to have turned down offers from Italy to play in Dubai.
“We announce that we have signed 2006 Fifa World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro for two years,” said Abdullah Al Nabooda, chairman of Al Ahli’s board of directors, on the club’s the official website.
“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, while he’s also a leader on the field as he led Italy to win the 2006 Fifa World Cup title.”
Cannavaro, who will retire from international football after the World Cup in South Africa, stated his desire to finish his career in the oil-rich Emirate was one of the main reasons for his decision to sign for Al Ahli.
“I’m happy to sign for Al Ahli,” he said. “I always thought of moving to live in Dubai as I love it and I have achieved my dream by moving to Dubai to play for one of its big clubs like Al Ahli.”
Cannavaro and Italy begin the defence of their World Cup crown against Paraguay on June 14th, before games against New Zealand and Slovakia.
Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci is confident Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi will be fit for the first game in Cape Town.
Camoranesi sustained a knock to his left knee during yesterday’s training session in Sestriere.
The 33-year-old underwent tests which ruled out meniscus damage, but he will have to rest for several days to recover from the mild sprain and will miss the friendlies against Mexico tomorrow and Switzerland three days later.
However, Castellacci is upbeat over Camoranesi’s prospects.
“There is no meniscus damage,” he said. “He can recover.
“We aim to have him available for selection before the first game against Paraguay.”