Former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard has been appointed as the new manager of Saudi Arabia.
Rijkaard, 48, has signed a three-year deal to manage the AFC nation and will immediately turn his attention to Saudi Arabia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“We have our goals,” Rijkaard said.
“We hope this will be the kick-off of a very successful period. As every journey, you start with the first step.”
“That’s what we made today. From now on, we will be planning.”
Former Netherlands, Ajax and AC Milan midfielder Rijkaard has not been involved in football since his contract at Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray was mutually terminated in October.
He has previous experience at managing international football after a two-year stint with the Netherlands, guiding his country to the semi-finals of the 2000 European Championships.
