Former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo takes on new job in South Korea

The 52-year-old is best remembered for delivering Chelsea's first Champions League trophy in 2012 when he took over as caretaker boss.

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After taking the reins from Andre Villas-Boas, Di Matteo also guided the Blues to FA Cup glory, earning him a two-year deal as permanent manager.

But he was sacked in November 2012, and was out of the game for two years before taking charge at Schalke, where he was once again axed.

The Italian, who starred for Chelsea between 1996-2002, then returned to the Premier League with Aston villa in 2016, but was relieved of his duties after just 12 games.

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And after almost six years without a job, Di Matteo is back in football - but with a new role in a different continent as technical advisor at Jeonbuk Motors.

In a statement released by the K League 1 giants, Di Matteo said: "It is an honour and privilege to join Jeonbuk Hyundai, the best club in Asia as a technical advisor.

"I wish to share my experience and knowledge with the coaching staff, including director Kim Sang-sik, and be part of a successful journey to lift many trophies for Jeonbuk fans."

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The South Korean side are among the most successful teams in the K League 1 and have been champions a total of nine times - including a string of five consecutive titles from 2017 to 2021.

However, their hold over the league was broken last season when Ulsan Hyundai pipped them to the title by three points in a nail-biting climax to the campaign.

And the former champions have acted by getting Di Matteo in as part of the backroom staff ahead of the new season - which is expected to start in late February.

Jeonbuk are coached by former South Korea international Kim Sang-sik, with former Swansea and Reading forward Modou Barrow a key player for the club.

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Among their backroom staff, members include Manchester United legend Park Ji-sung.

Like Di Matteo, he works as an advisor to the club and will likely be closely affiliated with the ex-Lazio midfielder.

As well as winning their domestic title nine times, Jeonbuk have also won the AFC Champions League twice - the first coming in 2006 and the latest in 2016 when they defeated UAE side Al-Ain.

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