Former Spain midfielder Thiago Alcântara has returned to FC Barcelona as an assistant coach, joining new manager Hansi Flick's staff.

Thiago announced his retirement from professional football on social media last week, following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool.

The former Barça midfielder, a product of the prestigious La Masia academy, left Barcelona in 2013 to join Pep Guardiola's project at Bayern Munich.

During his seven-year stint with the Bavarians, Thiago won seven Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League, making 235 appearances.

He joined Liverpool in 2020. Flick, appointed as Xavi's replacement in May, previously worked with Thiago at Bayern during the treble-winning 2019-20 season.