A Two-Year Contract for Leonardo

Brazilian Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo has signed a two-year contract with AC Milan as he begins a coaching career after stints as player and technical manager with the Rossoneri, the club's web site reported.

Ancelotti resigned Sunday after closing his eighth season with Milan and Monday signed a three-year contract with English giants Chelsea.

"A lot of affection ties me to Milan, otherwise I would not have accepted," Leonardo said. "It's an important adventure. It's a special and important day."

"I may have dreamt to be a player, not of being a coach. But some circumstances have made me take this decision, which makes me happy. I've been here for 12 years. I think that taking over from Carlo is a moving thing for the relationship we had."

"Now it's time to build. The bases are humility and the will to do."

Leonardo, who played for Brazil's World Cup-winning team in 1994 and joined Milan from Paris St Germain in 1997 and remained at the San Siro for four seasons before going back to his native Brazil.

He returned to Milan in 2003 before hanging up his boots after making 60 appearances for his country.

Leonardo is Milan's first Brazilian manager. He was named as part of Milan's technical staff early last year.