In this July 6, 2017 photo, then coach of Colombian team Atletico Nacional, Spanish Juan Manuel Lillo (center), talks to footballer Felipe Aguilar during a training session two days before the start of the local tournament, in Medellin, Colombia. (JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has appointed his mentor and coaching inspiration Juan Manuel Lillo as his new assistant, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Juan Manuel Lillo also coached Pep Guardiola towards the end of his playing career, during their shared time in Mexico at Dorados de Sinaloa

Lillo, 54, will take up the role vacated by Mikel Arteta, who left the Etihad Stadium to become manager at former club Arsenal.

The Spaniard joins from Qingdao Huanghai, having helped the club to the Chinese League One championship and so helping them achieve promotion to the Super League.

Lillo, who has previously managed Real Sociedad, Vissel Kobe and Real Oviedo, has worked with several world class talents during his career, including Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Yaya Toure.

He also coached Guardiola towards the end of his playing career, during their shared time in Mexico at Dorados de Sinaloa.

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"My relationship with Pep goes back many years and I am thrilled to be joining him as part of this exciting team," Lilo told the club's website here

“Manchester City has enjoyed much success over recent seasons and played a brand of beautiful football we have come to expect from this club and its manager.

“It’s a pleasure to become a part of this group and I hope to make an important contribution to the club’s success going forwards.”

City will restart their campaign after the COVID-19-enforced break against Arsenal on June 17.