Former Argentina international striker Hernan Crespo has been appointed manager of Sao Paulo for a second time, the Brazilian Serie A side said on Wednesday.

Crespo, who had an eight-month spell in charge of the club in 2021, agreed to a deal that runs until December 2026.

He replaces compatriot Luis Zubeldia, who was sacked on Tuesday after a poor start to Brazil's top-flight season.

"The relationship that was built between Crespo and Sao Paulo during the coach's first stint left firm foundations of mutual respect and admiration," Sao Paulo president Julio Casares said in a statement on the club's official website.

"He is a great professional, who already knows the club, won a title here and the time has come for him to return. We are pleased to make this return a reality."

Sao Paulo is currently 14th in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings with just two wins from 12 games so far. The club has fared better in the Copa Libertadores, finishing top of its group to advance to the last 16, where it will meet Colombia's Atletico Nacional over two legs in August.

Crespo, whose playing career included spells with Inter Milan, Chelsea and AC Milan, has been out of work since leaving the manager's post at Al Ain last November.