Rangers have announced the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their new manager.

The 46-year-old, who has become the 17th permanent head coach at Ibrox, has replaced Steven Gerrard following his departure to Aston Villa last week.

Van Bronckhorst returns to Glasgow for the first time in two decades after spending three years between 1998 and 2001 as a Rangers player, winning two league titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup.

Speaking on the club's official website, Rangers chairman Douglas Park said: "I am delighted to welcome Giovanni as our manager to begin a new era and build further on what has already been achieved at the club.

"The team is in a good position on the park and, as a board, we will support both Giovanni and Ross Wilson to continue to make Rangers a success."

I am very excited and proud to be returning to Rangers as the club's new manager. I can't wait to meet all of you! pic.twitter.com/6qdJVbGBjn

— Gio van Bronckhorst (@The_real_Gio) November 18, 2021

Van Bronckhorst, who takes his first managerial role since leaving Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou R&F in December 2020, continued: "I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Rangers as the club's new manager.

"I feel so lucky to be going to work with a squad which is in a great position on all fronts and largely has that experience of being winners.

"I look forward to carrying on and enhancing the work that has been done already alongside Ross Wilson and the board of the club, and I'm grateful for the chance to work again at this huge football club."

Prior to his brief 12-month managerial spell in China, Van Bronckhorst spent three and a half years in charge of Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, who he guided to their first top-flight title in 18 years during the 2016-17 campaign, as well as winning four domestic cups.

As well as making 106 international appearances for the Netherlands, Van Bronckhorst also represented Arsenal and Barcelona as a player, winning two La Liga titles and the Premier League in 2001-02.

Van Bronckhorst will watch Rangers' League Cup semi-final against Hibernian in the stands at Hampden Park on Sunday, before beginning work the following day and preparing for his first game at Ibrox in the Europa League against Sparta Prague on November 25.