AMSTERDAM -- Former Netherlands coach Marco van Basten is returning to the national team's staff, as assistant to recently appointed coach Danny Blind.
The Dutch football association said on Thursday that Van Basten has agreed a contract until the end of July 2018.
Van Basten was coach of the national team from 2004 to 2008, a tenure that included the 2006 World Cup and 2008 European Championship.
Marco van Basten terug bij Nederlands elftal: http://t.co/ARYeaRthlX. pic.twitter.com/yXErLmiX5E
- KNVB (@KNVB) July 9, 2015
He made 58 appearances for Netherlands during a distinguished career as a striker, played a pivotal role in their 1988 European Championship triumph and won the Ballon d'Or three times as well as the World Footballer of the Year prize.
Blind, who replaced Guus Hiddink earlier this month, welcomed Van Basten's appointment, saying "he brings a trove of experience as a top player, but also as national coach at two tournaments."