ROTTERDAM, Netherlands -- Former Netherlands defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been appointed Feyenoord's new coach from next season when Fred Rutten's one-year contract expires.
Feyenoord announced on Monday that Van Bronckhorst, currently one of Rutten's two assistants in Rotterdam, has agreed a two-year contract with the team where he began his illustrious playing career as a youngster in the club's academy.
The 40-year-old won league titles in Scotland, England and Spain with Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona before returning to Feyenoord to finish his playing days. He won 106 caps for Netherlands and captained the team who lost the 2010 World Cup final to Spain.
"To become head coach fills me with pride and I am extremely grateful for the confidence that Feyenoord have placed in me," Van Bronckhorst said on the club website.
Feyenoord are currently third in the Dutch top-flight Eredivisie.