Former Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has rejected claims he joined United Arab Emirates club Al-Ahli for money.

The World Cup-winning Italy captain, who has now retired from international football, will saddle up with the Middle Eastern outfit on a two-year deal but said that it was another challenge in his career and not a move solely for financial purposes.

"It's not an economic choice, but a family one," he told Tuttosport.

"Here there is pressure like the Italian league and I can also use my experience to teach young people."