From a jersey to a suit - Matias Almeyda new coach of River Plate

Newly-relegated River Plate have sprung a surprise by naming Matias Almeyda as their new coach. The veteran midfielder will take over from Juan Jose Lopez for the club's first ever year in the Nacional B.

A note on the official River website confirmed the appointment of the 37-year-old, who will therefore retire from professional football after an excellent final year in the Monumental.

The directors' decision to contract 'El Pelado' was unanimous, and came after a day of negotiations despite the purported interest from fellow club legend Ramon Diaz to help the club in their darkest hour.

"In this new step, and in light of the noble decision of Juan Jose Lopez to step aside, Matias Almeyda has been designated as the man charged with leading the new River Plate team," the statement read.

The veteran was suspended and did not play in Sunday's relegation decider against Belgrano, when a 1-1 draw condemned the Millo to the second division after 102 unbroken years in the top-flight.

Lopez's departure was confirmed almost immediately, and president Daniel Passarella also faced fierce pressure to step down before deciding to continue.