Roberto Di Matteo says helping Chairman Pete Winkelman achieve his dream was the reason behind his decision to become the new MK Dons manager.

Di Matteo, 38, was unveiled as Paul Ince's successor at a press conference at stadiummk on Thursday and immediately set his sights on building on last season's Double triumph.

The appointment is the Italian's first in football management after a hugely successful playing career, and he admits that Pete's famous enthusiasm was a key factor that brought him to stadiummk.

He said: "This is a young, ambitious Club and the Chairman has a great vision. It's a great opportunity for me to start here.

"I was fascinated by the Club and the Chairman's ambition to make it grow. That's what made it for me.

"This is a step up to League 1 but I feel we can build on last season and keep the momentum going. I'd like to help the Chairman implement his vision, which is to take the Club even higher."

The chance to manage the Dons brings Di Matteo back into football, six years after serious injury forced the Chelsea legend into retirement.

But having spent much of that time acquiring his UEFA 'B' and 'A' licences, the two-time FA Cup winner says his stint out of the game has not affected his appetite for football.

Indeed, he has already been busy looking into possible new faces to add to his squad, along with assistant Eddie Newton and fitness coach Ade Mafe.

He said: "I never really left football, it's a fire that's inside you, it's in your blood.

"We've been very busy in the last few days but we won't rush into any decisions. We want to get the right people for the Club and for the team.

"I'm not afraid of the challenge ahead, we just all want to get working now."