Rubi leaves Espanyol to take charge of Real Betis

Betis have given Rubi a three-year contract, having activated his release clause at Espanyol, reportedly set at 900,000 euros.

Espanyol, who finished seventh under Rubi in La Liga last season and qualified for the Europa League, have appointed the club's B team coach David Gallego as his replacement.

"With the arrival of Rubi, Real Betis bring a high-profile coach with extensive knowledge of La Liga," said a Real Betis statement.

"The Catalan, who was the first choice of the club, will maintain the style of play that Real Betis has made its own."

An Espanyol statement read: "Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia 'Rubi' paid off this morning the amount of his resignation clause and, in this way, will leave Espanyol, as the coach himself announced last week to club president Chen Yansheng."

Espanyol added: "David Gallego will be the coach of the first team for the next two seasons. Gallego is a coach committed to an attacking style of football, that tries to create chances and space from a possession-game, without forgetting the defensive requirements."

Betis said Rubi will be unveiled as coach next week while Espanyol will present Gallego in a press conference on Friday.

After a disappointing end to the season that saw Betis finish 10th in the table and miss out on a Copa del Rey final at their own stadium, the club parted ways with coach Quique Setien.

Espanyol enjoyed a brilliant last weekend under Rubi as fans invaded the pitch at the RCDE Stadium after their team beat Real Sociedad to seal a place in the Europa League.

It will be the first time Espanyol have played in Europe in 12 years.