RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil head coach Tite has been appointed manager of Cruzeiro on a one-year contract, the Brazilian Serie A side said on Tuesday.

The 64-year-old, whose real name is Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, replaces Leonardo Jardim, who was sacked following a penalty shootout defeat to Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil semifinals on Sunday.

"Pride and gratitude. My thanks for the invitation," Tite told reporters after signing the contract in Belo Horizonte.

It will be the veteran coach's first job since he parted ways with Flamengo in September 2024.

Tite, who was Brazil's manager from 2016 to 2022, has also had spells in charge of Gremio, Corinthians, Atletico Mineiro, Palmeiras and Internacional, among other clubs, over a career spanning more than 25 years.

Cruzeiro finished third in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings in 2025, nine points behind champion Flamengo. ■