Mircea Lucescu has signed a two-year deal to take over as manager of Zenit, the club has confirmed.

Lucescu departed Shakhtar Donetsk after 12 years in Ukraine, where he won eight league titles and the UEFA Cup in 2009, and his deal includes the option to extend by a further 12 months.

The 70-year-old replaces Andre Villas-Boas, who opted to turn down a contract extension, stating his intention to enjoy a sabbatical year.

Lucescu guided Shakhtar to the Europa League semifinals this season, where the club was beaten 5-3 on aggregate by eventual champions Sevilla.

He could not end his tenure with a ninth league crown, as Dynamo Kiev comfortably beat them to the title by seven points.