Former France captain Marcel Desailly has decided not to coach Ghana and has instead decided to continue his playing career in Qatar. Desailly, who was born in Ghana, was on the shortlist to be the next coach of the Black Stars but has now signed to play for Al Ittihad in Qatar.

However he did not rule out the possibility of coaching Ghana in the future.

"I must thank the Ghanaian sports minister who offered me the position of coach, but maybe that is just a postponement," Desailly said.

Desailly was linked with moves to Barcelona and turned down offers from Celtic, Crystal Palace and Portsmouth but instead signed an eight-month deal in Qatar.

"I've made my decision after mature reflection," he insisted.

"I'm very happy to undertake this new experience which will last until June 10 2005.

"I'd do well to thank the officials from the many clubs who have had me in their thoughts in the past few weeks - Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Glasgow Celtic and I forget the others."

At Al Ittihad Desailly will be linking up with Senegal's former coach Bruno Metsu, who led the Teranga Lions to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.