( CNN ) -- Italy 's World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro has made a surprise decision to end his career in Dubai . The 36-year-old has signed a two-year deal with reigning United Arab Emirates league champions Al Ahli after failing to find a new club in Serie A following the end of his deal with Juventus . In a statement on its official Web site on Wednesday , the Dubai-based club confirmed that Cannavaro would move to Al Ahli after the World Cup in South Africa , which starts on June 11 . `` We announce that we have signed Fabio Cannavaro for two years , '' Abdullah Al Nabooda , chairman of Al Ahli 's board of directors said . `` 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 . '' Cannavaro -- who has 132 caps for his country and led the Italians to victory over France in the 2006 World Cup final -- is planning to retire from international football after the South African tournament , which will be his fourth . He played at Inter Milan and Real Madrid before moving to Juventus in 2009 , and had hoped to earn a deal with his hometown club Napoli , where he began his career . `` The option to extend my deal with Juventus has expired . I want Napoli , but they do n't want me , '' he told Italian sports paper Tuttosport last week . However , Cannavaro said he was now happy to make the move to the Middle-East . `` I am happy to sign for Al Ahli for the next season . I was already planning to go and live in Dubai , I love that city . It 's a dream come true , '' he told Italian newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport . Meanwhile , British media have speculated that Al Ahli is also interested in signing manager Harry Redknapp , 63 , from London-based English Premier League side Tottenham next season .
Fabio Cannavaro signs a three - year contract with UAE champions Al - Ahli . The move was announced on the club 's official Web site on Wednesday . The Italian midfielder will join the Dubai side after the World Cup in South Africa . His contract with Juventus had expired and he could not find a new club in Italy .