Manuel Pellegrini is the new Manchester City manager, the club has confirmed.
The Chilean joins City on a three year contract after the sacking of Roberto Mancini last month.
Pellegrini, who ended his three years at Màlaga earlier this month, was replaced by former Real Madrid coach Bernd Scuster at La Rosaleda Stadium today.
Pellegrini told City's website%MTSlideshow-PHOTO--MANUEL-PELLEGRINI-1191872%: “I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity. The Club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution.
"Everything is in place for Manchester City to continue to be successful and I am excited to be able to work with such a talented squad, the Executive team and the Board to deliver for fans who are renowned for their steadfast support.”
Although Roberto Mancini ended City's 35-year trophy drought and delivered their first title in 44 years the Citizens twice failed to progress past the Champions League group stage.
The Italian also struggled in the competition with former club Internazionale, whereas Pellegrini has enjoyed relative success in the competition.
Pellegrini, 59, took Villarreal to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2006, only for Arsenal to fortuitously knock them out and this year Málaga were undone in an extraordinary last eight loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Boasting more than 25 years of managerial experience, Pellegrini also coached Real Madrid for one trophyless season in 2009-10, despite the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká and Karim Benzema.
City have already signed Jesús Navas from Sevilla and Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk this summer for around £48 million combined as they bid to reclaim the Barclays Premier League title from neighbours United.