ABU DHABI: Legendary Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit has expressed his desire to be part of UAE football.
Participating in the 2012 Emirates Airline Invitational, hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at the Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, the former Netherlands striker said: "I'm thinking of getting in touch with a few clubs through my contacts and probably start working here."
The UAE attracted the world's attention after Al Wasl Club signed Argentine star Diego Maradona as its coach last year.
Gullit believed that such developments were good for the growth of the game in the region and it should be encouraged further. "It's a very good thing for UAE football. Good for the region and it's always good to sign big players and attract attention.
"That will not only improve the game here but also will ensure everybody follows it closely. I'm sure there must be a huge fan following for him and he must surely be attracting huge crowds," said the 49-year-old, who is the only Dutch captain to have won a major world football title when he led Holland to the European crown beating Russia in 1988.
But Gullit, who was named the European Footballer of the Year in 1987 and World Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989, accepted he did not keep himself abreast with football in this region but would love to do so in the future.
"Sincerely I don't know anything about it. But I would like to work here because I like the atmosphere here and it looks really good," added Gullit.
The Dutch stalwart, who recently presented Argentine and Barcelona player Lionel Messi with his third FIFA Ballon d'Or said: "He is a great player at the moment. According to me he is having a great time now and will surely be among the best players."
Enjoying his day at the Yas Links he said: "It was tiring but it was good and I think the organisers did a really good job and they did everything to put it in the great conditions.
"It's a beautiful course but certainly not an easy one."
