Ruud Gullit has signed for AC Milan, 15 years after he left the club, as the new ambassador for Northern Europe.

Gullit made his name in the colours of the Rossoneri, where he played alongside fellow Dutchmen such as Marco van Basten.

The 46-year-old played for Milan between 1987 and 1993 and in 1994, winning three Serie A titles and two European Cups. He scored twice when Milan beat Steaua Bucharest 4-0 in the 1989 European Cup final.

Since retiring from professional football, the former Holland international has tried his hand at coaching, taking charge of teams such as Newcastle United, and more recently, the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

After failing to settle in the United States, and a succession of poor results at the Galaxy, Gullit resigned from the club and returned to Europe.

Gullit currently works as a football pundit and it is believed Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti approached him for the job.

The striker arrived in Italy on Saturday, where he toured the trophy room and had a meeting with Milan officials in the club office at Via Turati. Gullit met up with vice-president Adriano Galliani and sporting director Ariedo Braida.

Under his new role as Milan ambassador for Northern Europe, he will work together with the club’s scouts and talent spotters. With his knowledge of Dutch football and the Eredivisie, Gullit is expected to recommend the brightest stars who are good enough to feature for Milan.