Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has been appointed the new manager of the Spanish national football team.

Enrique, who has been on a sabbatical since leaving the Catalan giants in May 2017, comes in as a replacement for Julen Lopetegui who was sacked on the eve of the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia following his decision to take over at Real Madrid despite having a contract with the national team.

The RFEF’s executive committee met on Monday and unanimously approved Luis Enrique’s appointment just eight days after the national team, under caretaker manager Fernando Hierro, were eliminated on penalties by hosts Russia in the second round of the World Cup.

The 48 year old guided Barcelona to nine titles in his three campaigns in charge of the first team, including a treble-winning in his first season at the helm.

The former midfielder during his playing career scored 12 goals in 62 appearances for Spain and represented the national team at three world cups as well as euro 1996. He was also a member of the squad that won gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Spain, at Russia 2018, finished top of Group B after a win against Iran and draws against Portugal and Morocco. La Roja lost 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw with the tournament hosts in the second round.