Marcelo Gallardo is delighted taking charge of Al Ittihad.

Gallardo succeeds former Wolves manager Nuno after his sacking last week.

He said, "I spent a peaceful year, I dedicated myself to other things off the pitch. I really appreciated this period, I had a good time.

"I made the decision to return to coaching after having contact with the management, I felt it was the right time. They won me over with their big project. It's a new market, a different country and this motivates me. I wanted to come back.

"My staff and I have undergone a great challenge, the Club World Cup, it will test us quickly and this is a good thing. I've had a pretty quiet year, so I hope to get back on track with enthusiasm. We can't wait, we want to live this experience that is totally different from all the others."