The 34-year-old, released by the Boss earlier this month, had been training with former team Al Jazira and was poised to re-join the club where he had previously spent eight years.

It is believed, however, that Dalic and Al Ain’s hierarchy were keen to utilise the Ivory Coast-born midfielder’s experience for their upcoming AFC Champions League quarter-final encounter with Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv Tashkent.

The first leg takes place at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on August 23 with the return fixture three weeks later on September 13 at Lokomotiv Stadium.

Diaky, who had been with Jazira during their pre-season trip to the Netherlands, departed to join up with Al Ain at their base in Austria on Thursday.

“I considered the presence of Diaky very important for the team. He has played an important role on and off the field, so I’m very happy with his return to his home,” said Dalic on the club’s Twitter feed yesterday.

“Diaky’s experience can provide a big benefit to the team while his fighting spirit is a big part of his character.”

Club chairman Ghanem Al Hajeri confirmed that despite the club’s dramatic U-turn over Diaky, defender Mohammed Fawzi is still expected to join Jazira.

“Coach Zlatko wanted Diaky to return to the the club for the new season,” said Al Hajeri.

“Al Ain are careful not to lay off any player easily. There was an agreement in principle for Diaky and Mohammad Fawzi to join Al Jazira but the deal fell through.

“We kept the part of the agreement on Diaky returning to the team based on our technical requiremenrs. Mohammed Fawzi, according  to the agreement between all parties, will join the ranks of Al Jazira, starting from the new season.”

Al Ain, meanwhile, will face Serie A side Bologna in Austria today in their latest pre-season friendly.