Marcel Desailly has signed a deal to join Al Ittihad of Qatar. He said he turned down moves to Celtic, Crystal Palace and Portsmouth and he also rejected the chance to become Ghana's coach before joining Al Ittihad. According to rumours, Barcelona had considered him to help ease their injury crisis, but the Qatar club finally got him convinced.

"I've made my decision after mature reflection. I'm very happy to undertake this new experience," Desailly said.

"I'd do well to thank the officials from the clubs who have had me in their thoughts - Palace, Portsmouth, Celtic."

Desailly has signed an eight-month deal at Al Ittihad to work with French coach Bruno Metsu, who led Senegal to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.