PARIS, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ligue 1 outfit Nantes on Thursday appointed Christian Gourcuff as their new head coach following Vahid Halilhodzic's departure.

The length of Gourcuff's contract was not disclosed by the club.

The 64-year-old Gourcuff had coaching spells at French clubs Rennes and Lorient, also coaching the Algerian national team between 2014 and 2016.

"He's one of the best coaches in France. We're really lucky to have him with us. He is a coach I have been wanting for many years, and I thank him very much for being here," said Nantes President Waldemar Kita.

"Nantes have always represented something for me. In the past, I almost joined the club but it did not happen. When President Waldemar Kita called me, it was something I owed him. I'm really happy to sign here," said Gourcuff.

Nantes finished 12th in Ligue 1 last season. Halilhodzic, 67, quit the team last week reportedly having disagreements with Kita.

Nantes will visit last season's runners-up Lille to kick off the new campaign on Sunday. Enditem

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