Seedorf confirmed at Milan helm

AC Milan have appointed former player Clarence Seedorf as coach following Massimiliano Allegri's departure earlier this week.

Seedorf, 37, has signed a contract until 30 June 2016 with the Rossoneri, having ended his playing career at Brazil's Botafogo FR on Tuesday. It is a first coaching role for Seedorf, who arrived in Milan yesterday in time to watch the club's 3-1 Coppa Italia round of 16 victory under caretaker Mauro Tassotti, now reverting to the post of assistant he held under Allegri, Leonardo and Carlo Ancelotti.

"I feel deeply moved at the moment, but I also feel a sense of duty," said Seedorf upon his return last night. "I left Milan in 2012 at the end of a winning cycle, and now I want to start a new one. We have many things to do to make Milan improve, but I'm very happy. You can't really say I'm back, because it's like I never went away. It's extremely important for me to see all this enthusiasm around me."

The 87-times capped Netherlands midfielder played for Milan between 2002 and 2012, helping them win the UEFA Champions League and Serie A twice apiece. Seedorf also lifted Europe's premier club trophy with AFC Ajax and Real Madrid CF, a unique treble, and his other previous teams include UC Sampdoria and FC Internazionale Milano.

"Having coached him I know he has huge personality and is fully capable of handling this new experience," said Seedorf's former Milan boss Ancelotti. "He knows Milan inside out and I think the club made this decision much as they did with [Fabio] Capello and [Arrigo] Sacchi – coaches who previously worked out very well there. I wish Seedorf and Milan the best of luck."

Milan lie 11th in Serie A but are the only side from the division to make the UEFA Champions League round of 16, where they face Club Atlético de Madrid on 19 February and 11 March.