One Direction have hired Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard after he was sacked by the late pop icon’s family.

Alberto Alvarez, whose evidence helped to convict Dr. Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter last November, will join the boyband on the American leg of their 2013 world tour.

He told the Daily Mirror he was thrilled with the news: “I’m really excited. They’re a great group of young men and they have great ­talent. I am proud to work for them. Working for the boys has ­pulled me through a ­terrible time. It really helped me cope with what ­happened three years ago when Michael died.

“I started ­working as a ­bodyguard again last year. And ­working for One Direction – the ­biggest boyband in the world – is so ­exciting. I did some work for them in California last year and they liked me.”

The 36-year-old, who was left penniless after being given his marching orders by the Jacksons, went on to add: 

“Now every time they are here I work with them. The other week I was with Zayn Malik at the Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

“A few months back I spent time with Louis Tomlinson and his girlfriend.They were talking about me ­accompanying them on their big tour.”