Milan, Italy (SportsNetwork.com) - Clarence Seedorf has announced his retirement from Brazilian club Botafogo in order to begin a managerial career at AC Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri was fired as Milan manager on Monday following a 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo which left the Rossoneri in 11th place in Serie A, 30 points back of leaders Juventus.
The 37-year-old Seedorf left Milan in 2012 after 10 years at the San Siro in order to continue his playing career in Brazil with Botafogo.
But when Milan came calling on Monday after Allegri's departure, Seedorf couldn't refuse the chance to land his first managerial job at such a big club.
"Given my relationship with president Silvio Berlusconi, when he called me yesterday, I couldn't say no," said Seedorf.
"If I could have played on another five years, I would have stayed here because Botafogo have a young, competitive team. We've improved not only technically, but also as a team. Even after me, Botafogo will remain great."
Seedorf is expected to arrive in Italy for Wednesday's Coppa Italia match with Spezia. Mauro Tassotti will be in charge of Milan for the game, with Seedorf taking over following the match.
"Certainly Seedorf is not lacking the ability to do well," Tassotti said at a news conference in Milan. "He has a great personality and this will help him a great deal. I have no particular advice for Seedorf. He knows the club as well as I do. If he wants to know more about the situation of the players, then I'd be only too happy to oblige."
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