Argentina legend Diego Maradona has declared he is “not afraid of the challenge” as he prepares to guide Fujairah back to the Arabian Gulf League, following his shock return to management.

Maradona, 56, stunned the world last Sunday when a one-year deal was announced with the Wolves for 2017/18. This means the iconic ex-Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli superstar will be in charge in First Division League, five years since he was sacked by top-flight Al Wasl.

“Yes, I’ll be coaching again,” he told FIFA.com from the organisation’s Congress in Bahrain. “I’ll work for Fujairah, which is located an hour away from Dubai.

“I liked the project and especially the team.

“Now it will be time to work with them and recharge the batteries.

“I’m not afraid of the challenge. It’s the opposite in fact, I am really excited.

“I cannot wait to meet the players and see how they train, how they eat, how they hit the ball.

“It’s a new challenge in a smaller league, although I’ll treat it like it was the best in the world.”

Fujairah finished fourth last term, two places and nine points away from the promotion spots. They enjoyed a two-year spell in the AGL from 2014-16.

Whites wait to reveal Bauza

The UAE Football Association are expected to announce a two-year deal on Thursday for recently-dismissed Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza to takeover the national team.

Bauza, 59, held extensive final talks with the organising body yesterday to succeed Mahdi Ali. He flew into Dubai late on Tuesday.

El Paton was sacked in April by La Albiceleste after just eight games.