Luis Garcia is thrilled to be named new coach of Espanyol.

Garcia leaves his role with Real Madrid, where he was in charge of RSC Internacional, to return to Espanyol. He replaces Diego Martinez after his dismissal on Monday.

Garcia said: "It was a difficult day. I want to thank Florentino Pérez, José Angel Sánchez and Manu Fernández for the facilities they have given me from the beginning to return home.

"They helped me in my time as a player to be a professional and now also to fulfill my dream as a coach. I want to thank Mao, Chen, Catoira and the whole club for trusting me in these 11 games and beyond.

"We have tremendous growth. I had no doubt that I wanted to be here. I want to have dedication and pay it back with work. That we get closer to our people. This club is special and different from all the rest.

"I found an extraordinary inheritance and it is thanks to a great coach like Diego Martínez. The boys want to improve, they are humble and have a brutal conception of the situation in which we are. I am happier than a child on Three Kings Day."