Italy skipper Fabio Cannavaro has signed a two-year deal with Al-Ahli of Dubai and will play for the UAE club after the South Africa World Cup.

Cannavaro, 36, was a former Real Madrid defender and joined Italian gaints Juventus on a one-year contract last season. As the Turin club refused to extend the deal with the Italy captain, Cannavaro chose to continue his professional career in Asia.

"My contract with Al-Ahli realizes my dream of living in Dubai and finishing my career playing for one of its clubs," said Cannavaro through a statement released by his new club.

Cannavaro, who will fly to South Africa next week to defend the World Cup title for Italy, has currently earned 132 international caps and will retire from the Italy national team after the World Cup.