The Croatian Football Federation announced on Monday the appointment of Slaven Bilić as the head coach of the senior national team, following the departure of Zlatko Dalić.

Slaven Bilić previously coached West Ham, Beşiktaş, Al-Ittihad and Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia.

The Croatian federation's website stated that Bilić will return to lead Croatia, having previously coached the national team from 2006 to 2012.

Bilić said after signing the contracts: 'I thank the management of the Croatian Football Federation for the trust they have placed in me and for this opportunity to lead my country's national team once again.'

He added: 'I am fully aware of the high expectations following the remarkable period the team experienced under Zlatko Dalić, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be ready for that, because we are a nation that lives and breathes football with its national team.'

He continued: 'I have great confidence in the players we have, and my mission is to bring energy, ambition, and determination so that Croatia remains among the elite of world football.'

He emphasized: 'I am very excited for this challenge, and I feel more ready for it than ever, as a more mature and experienced coach compared to 2006, but with the same enthusiasm and desire for Croatia to be strong, brave, and successful.'