Rafael Nadal has added long-term friend and former world number one Carlos Moya to his coaching team ahead of the 2017 season.

Moya, the French Open champion in 1998, recently split with Milos Raonic after helping the Canadian to a career-high ranking of number three and the 2016 Wimbledon final.

The Spaniard will now link up with Nadal and is confident his compatriot can add to his 14 major titles.

"Toni Nadal [Rafael's uncle and coach] called me while I was at the IPTL [International Premier Tennis League] competition. To be honest. it was great to receive that call. To be able to help Rafa is something special for me," Moya explained.

"Rafa is a special player and above all a great person and friend ... I have a lot of trust and confidence that he will be able to continue winning important titles."

Nine-time French Open winner Nadal said: "I am very excited to announce that Carlos Moya will join my team immediately and work together with Toni [Nadal] and Francis Roig.

"To have someone like Carlos who is not only a friend but also a very important person in my career is something special."

Toni Nadal also hailed the link-up with Moya, adding: "When I knew Carlos had stopped with Raonic, I called him, since we think he can join all our projects including the Rafa Nadal Academy.

"Carlos has always been a special person for us. Rafael always had great appreciation and consideration when he was playing and, as a number one, he was always there to help us. It is the right moment to have him join our team."

Nadal's last grand slam win came at Roland Garros in 2014. He is currently ranked ninth in the ATP rankings, having been troubled by injury this year.