RIO DE JANEIRO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil manager Fernando Diniz has been appointed head coach of Corinthians on a deal running until December next year, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Monday.

The 52-year-old replaces Dorival Junior, who was sacked on Sunday after a 1-0 home defeat to Internacional.

"For me, the game has to be played in the same way the fans experience it, with emotion, grit, intensity and courage," Diniz said in a video published on the club's website. "My heart is already beating in the same rhythm as the fans in the stands. I'm ready."

Diniz, who made 50 appearances for Corinthians as a player in 1997 and 1998, had been out of work since parting ways with Vasco da Gama in February.

His first game in charge will be a visit to Argentina's Platense in the Copa Libertadores group stage on Thursday. ■