Greek league champion AEK Athens has signed Marinos Ouzounidis as its new coach on a two-year deal.

The 49-year-old former Panathinaikos player and manager officially took over at AEK on Friday. AEK won its first league title in 24 years, halting two decades of dominance by Olympiakos.

Ouzounidis had also coached several top-flight clubs including Panionios and Xanthi.

He replaces Spanish coach Manolo Jimenez, who left following failed contract renewal negotiations and said he is set to join Las Palmas. The Canary Islands club will play in Spain's second division next season after being relegated.