Patrick Vieira appointed as head coach of Senegal, the country of his birth

• Former Arsenal captain succeeds Pape Thiaw

• Senegal reached last 32 of this summer’s World Cup

Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the head coach of Senegal. The Senegal-born former Arsenal captain has been out of work since leaving his post as manager of the Serie A side Genoa last November and replaces Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s defeat by Belgium in the last 32 at this summer’s World Cup.

“Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team,” read a statement. “The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach.”