Abel Xavier is the new coach of the Mozambique national team

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavier has been named the new coach of the Mozambique national team.

The 43-year-old Mozambican-born Xavier made 20 appearances for the Portugal national team during a playing career which spanned nearly two decades.

Alberto Simango Junior, President of the Mozambican Football Federation, made the announcement in the capital Maputo on Monday, according to the state-owned daily Noticias.

Xavier has been managing in the lower leagues in Portugal

"I have followed the Mozambican team for years," Xavier said. "I am very proud to come back to my country."

Xavier, who was widely known for his bleach blond hair, started his career at the Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora in 1990.

He then moved on to play for several other clubs in Europe and abroad including Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Liverpool and Everton before finishing his career with LA Galaxy.

Xavier played for Liverpool and Everton during his career

Since retiring, he has managed in the lower leagues in Portugal.

Mozambique are currently 109th in the FIFA World Rankings and have never qualified for a World Cup.

Xavier's aim will be to lead the nation to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, but they are currently bottom of their qualifying group after losing their first two matches.