Edgar Davids went with his "gut" in choosing Barnet to launch his coaching career.
The former Ajax, Juventus, Tottenham and Holland midfielder will assist Mark Robson in a player-coach role at the rock-bottom League Two club.
The 39-year-old Dutch legend said: "Every year I get offers from clubs all over the world - India, Asia, Australia. But I'm doing what I think is right.
"It has never been my aim to play in 50-degree heat, where the majority don't have to work because they have so much money.
"This is going to be quite a challenge but I'd rather have this than go somewhere and chill on the beach.
"That doesn't contribute to my own development."