Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Claude Makelele on Tuesday signed a two-year deal to coach French Ligue 1 outfit Bastia, his first managerial position.

The 41-year-old takes control of the Corsican side after a spell as assistant coach with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

"It's an exciting challenge, a difficult one but I feel ready - I'll be bringing all my experience and hunger for football," said the ex France international.

Makelele succeeds Frederic Hantz, who in a four-year spell gained Bastia promotion to Ligue 1 with a 10th place finish last term.

He will be assisted by former Bordeaux player Didier Tholot, 50, who coached Ligue 2 Châteauroux from June 2010 to late 2013.