(Football news) The trend of former greats becoming managers continued as former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has signed a three-year contract to become PSV Eindhoven head coach from next season. Van Nistelrooy as a player himself enjoyed his time at PSV, scoring 62 goals in 67 games and his performance in the Everdivse caught the eyes of Manchester United and they bought him for a then record fee of 19 million pounds in the summer of 2001.

Nistelrooy then went on to enjoy a successful five-year spell at Manchester United, where he won a Premier League title, FA Cup and a League Cup. After his success with United he moved to Real Madrid and won La Liga twice before ending his playing career in 2012 after brief spells at Hamburg and Malaga. Van Nistelrooy also scored 35 goals in 70 internationals and has worked with the Dutch national team as an assistant coach, including at last year’s European Championship. A former Netherlands international, Van Nistelrooy will take up his first job as a senior manager with PSV, as he spent three successful years as a player from 1998 to 2001. The 45-year-old will succeed Roger Schmidt, who will leave once contract expires at the end of this season.

"A few things have come together the past few months," Van Nistelrooy said in a PSV statement. "The appointment of Marcel Brand as PSV's general manager and the conversation we've had were the final push I needed to make a conscious choice and take this step. PSV are ready to embark on a new path this summer and I am ready to play my part. Talks with the board of directors have reinforced the idea that we are ambitious and look to create something special in the long term. I am excited for the task in hand at PSV."

PSV Director of Football John de Jong added: "We are delighted to confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy is our new manager. All of us, including Marcel Brands, who will be PSV's new general manager this summer, have great confidence in his abilities. He is a strong, inspirational leader and his commitment and work ethic will be second to none.

"Van Nistelrooy has gained valuable experience within the PSV organisation but also with the national team and we are highly confident he is ready for his first senior managerial role. We are sure that he has a great and successful career ahead, with the backing of experienced Fred Rutten and the coaching staff."

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