Former Al Wahda, Mexico and Japan coach Javier Aguirre has been appointed as the new head coach of Egypt.

Signing on a four-year deal, Aguirre replaces Hector Cuper whose contract expired following their group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Speaking in a press conference in Cairo on Thursday, Egypt Football Association (EFA) chief Hany Abu Rida said: “When we chose Aguirre, we were keen that he has a long and honourable history, and he gave in Spain a great effort.”

Aguirre said he is looking forward to the challenge. “I am really honoured to be here, even though I have more than 20 years’ work as a coach, even though I have four World Cups in my bag, it’s the first time I will work in Africa. It will be a big big challenge,” he said.