The ex-Spain international, who spent eight seasons at Camp
Nou as a player and another three in charge of the club's B team, takes over
from Gerardo Martino, who stepped down after the Blaugrana were dethroned as
Liga champions following a 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Luis Enrique had been linked with a return to Catalunya for
some weeks and his appointment was considered a formality as soon as he stepped
down as Celta boss on Friday.
"The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have this evening
confirmed Luis Enrique Martinez as the new first team coach, following a
proposal from Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta.
"Luis Enrique, 44, will sign a two-year deal."
The former midfield ace joined Barca from great rivals Real
Madrid in 1996 and went on to establish himself as a firm favourite with the
Camp Nou crowd, winning two Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and a Uefa Cup
Winners' Cup before retiring in 2004.
Luis Enrique rejoined the club as a coach just four years
later and enjoyed a successful stint in charge of their B team before departing
for Roma in 2011.
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