Franco Baresi has confirmed he has signed a one-year contract as technical
director of Fulham.
The Italy and AC Milan legend had claimed the Premiership club had jumped
the gun earlier this week when they announced he had agreed to join them
from June 1.
However the 42-year-old, who has an optional extra year included in the
contract, has today confirmed: "I cannot believe that I am leaving
AC Milan after so long.
"Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed's programme, is serious and ambitious,
and has convinced me."
Reports in the Italian press say Baresi - who has also served Milan as
vice-president - will appoint fellow Italian defender Filippo Galli, currently
with Watford, as his assistant.
Baresi will take up a range of duties including scouting, recruitment
of players, the academy and the development of women's football.
Current manager Jean Tigana would concentrate on his primary responsibility
for the first team and, in particular, player coaching.
Earlier this week Chairman Al Fayed claimed: "This is the next step
in realising my dream of making Fulham one of the foremost clubs in the
world."
Baresi, regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, began
his international career a few months after Italy won the 1982 World Cup
- although he was an unused squad member in Spain - and ended his glittering
career in 1997.
He currently has responsibilities at Milan for coaching, scouting and
worldwide PR and marketing.
Captain of AC Milan for 16 years and Italy national captain for four
years, Baresi played in two World Cups and missed a penalty as Brazil
triumphed in a shoot-out to decide the 1994 final.
He won the European Cup three times with Milan, the UEFA Cup three times,
the Intercontinental Cup twice and the Italian Championship six times.
Baresi played 760 games for AC Milan and won 81 caps for Italy.
An official Fulham statement confirmed: "Franco Baresi has today signed
a contract as director of football for Fulham F. C. He begins work on June
1."