RIO DE JANEIRO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil international midfielder Ramon Menezes has been named head coach of Vasco da Gama, the Rio de Janeiro club said on Monday.

Menezes, a former Vasco player, replaces veteran manager Abel Braga, who was sacked on March 16 after a poor run of results.

A statement confirming the appointment on Vasco's official website did not reveal Menezes' contract details.

The 47-year-old, who has never previously managed a top division club, has been one of Vasco's assistant coaches since last year.

He retired from playing in 2013 after a career that included three separate spells with Vasco and six international appearances for Brazil.

All Brazilian football competitions are currently suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.