The 32-year-old hung up his playing boots in April and has been a regular pundit on Fox Sports as well as playing a leading role on the executive committee of players' union, the PFA.

Now the club's all-time highest scorer - with 41 goals from 158 games - has returned to his A-League roots.

Djite said he was thrilled to be back at United and was looking forward to the challenge in his new role off the pitch.

“Returning to Adelaide United is a great honour for me," he said today as he was unveiled in his new role.  "I have created the best memories of my life in the great state of South Australia.

"Both my children were born here in Adelaide, I won all the domestic titles with Adelaide United, and who can forget that Grand Final at Adelaide Oval!

“The first house I ever bought was here because I believe in South Australia. Adelaide is the club and city where I signed my first ever professional contract and the people of SA have adopted me as one of their own from the very first day I stepped foot in this great state.

“Now I have come back to give my blood, sweat, and tears to the club in a new capacity, a new chapter in my career. I am very proud to be appointed the Director of Football for this club, which means so much to me.

“This position bestows a great amount of responsibility on me and I look forward to doing what I have always done: putting my head down, and working hard and diligently to achieve the club's goals.

“I thank the club for all the trust they have given me and I look forward to getting to work.”

Adelaide United Chairman Piet van der Pol added: “It is no secret that Bruce is held in very high esteem right throughout Australian football.

“In addition to this, his connection with Adelaide United and his knowledge of this club and this sport in this country make him perfectly qualified to be our Director of Football.

“Bruce is an outstanding professional and has exceeded in all aspects of his career.

“As such, we are very excited to have him return to ourcClub and are looking forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have not only on our Football Department, but the entire organisation.”