Quique Sanchez Flores has been confirmed as Espanyol's new head coach after signing a three-year deal.

The Spaniard spent one season in charge of the Hornets as he guided the club to safety in the Premier League and a place in the FA Cup semi-final.

Flores helped Watford climb into the top seven of the table during the first half of the season after a run of four consecutive wins.

But their form dropped in the second half of the campaign with his rigid team selections and the style of football criticised.

His break clause, during the middle of his two-year contract, was activated after talks with the Watford hierarchy and it was no surprise when he announced his departure after weeks of speculation on his future. 

Flores has plenty of coaching experience in Spain where he has managed Getafe, Valencia and Atletico Madrid. 

He takes over an Espanyol side which finished 13th in La Liga last season. Flores replaces Romanian Constantin Galca after his exit last month.