Premier League title winner heads for Dubai to team up with Jonjo Shelvey and Ravel Morrison

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Former Manchester United academy star and Leicester City defender Danny Simpson has ended his retirement to sign for a Dubai-based club as a player-coach. Simpson has linked up with Arabian Falcons, who compete in the UAE Second Division, where he will also reunite with former United star Ravel Morrison, the club's current captain.

Simpson, 39, spent five years as a United first-team player after joining the squad in 2005, before eventually leaving Old Trafford in 2010 to seal a permanent switch to Newcastle .

The former right-back went on to claim a Premier League title winners' medal with Leicester in 2016, and announced his retirement from professional football in the summer of 2024. He also had stints at Huddersfield , Bristol City and Macclesfield before calling time on his playing career.

Now, however, Simpson is back in the game and has headed to Dubai, where he will work alongside former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who takes charge as the club's manager.

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Former Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon is also a co-owner of Arabian Falcons and serves as head of football operations.

Opening up about his decision, Simpson has explained what persuaded him to come out of retirement and head to the UAE.

“The opportunity to join Jonjo and this exciting project was one I couldn’t turn down,” Simpson said. “I still have plenty to offer on the pitch, and I’m looking forward to helping the team achieve its ambitions.

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“The club has a clear plan, and I want to play my part in delivering a successful promotion-winning campaign.”

Shelvey has also expressed his delight at bringing Simpson to the club. He said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Danny Simpson to Arabian Falcons. After stepping in for the last five games last season and coming so close to promotion, we now have the opportunity to build properly in my first full campaign.

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“Danny is the ideal signing - a Premier League champion with vast experience, leadership, and a winning mentality.

“He strengthens us immediately on the pitch and will be invaluable in helping develop the squad. This is the start of us building a team I firmly believe can win promotion this season.”

Puncheon also outlined what he believes Simpson will contribute to the club, while making clear the Arabian Falcons' ambitions for the season ahead.

“This signing sends a strong message about our ambition,” Puncheon said. “Jonjo has already shown what he can do in a short space of time, and with Danny arriving we are building real strength and character in the squad.

“We are fully focused on making this a successful season and securing promotion to the UAE First Division.”