Former AC Milan playing favourite Clarence Seedorf is to return to the San Siro as the Rossoneri's new boss. A Champions League winner four times with three different clubs, Seedorf, 37, spent a decade with Milan between 2002 and 2012. He takes his first steps into management after announcing his retirement from planning after 18 months at Brazilian team Botafogo. Milan president Silio Berlusconi dispensed with the services of Massimiliano Allegri on Monday following a 4-3 loss to promoted side Sassuolo. The Rossoneri sit eleventh in Serie A six points above the relegation zone, 20 outside a Champions League place and 30 behind Italian league leaders Juventus. Seedorf told the BBC:
"This experience of a year and a half helped me grow and will help me in the next stage of my life as coach of Milan."
Suriname-born Dutch international Seedorf played at three European Championships and 1998 World Cup. He earned 87 Netherlands caps across 14 years. Beginning his career with Ajax, Seedorf had spells at Sampdoria, Real Madrid and Milan's bitter rivals Inter before finding his home at the red half of the San Siro. He won ten major honours with the Rossoneri. Fomer Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti has backed Seedorf to succeed in the dugout. He told Sky Sports:
"Seedorf was my player, he has a very big personality. He has the capacity and knowledge to do everything in the world of football. He is going to get experience in an atmosphere he knows very well. "Milan have often made this type of decision, first Arrigo Sacchi who had no experience, then Fabio Capello... now Seedorf. Every time that decision has gone well for him. I wish him a lot of luck."