Malaga have announced the departure of manager Javi Gracia after two seasons in charge.
Gracia, who led Malaga to consecutive ninth-place finishes in the Primera Division, has accepted a four-year contract to manage Russian side Rubin Kazan.
A statement from the 46-year-old read: "It has been a very difficult decision to make. I appreciate everything the club have done for me, but my next club, Rubin have made a great effort and havs shown great interest in having me for a future project with an irresistible offer.
MCFNews| Javi Gracia se despide del #MálagaCF a través de un comunicado https://t.co/nCIoJF1qLs
- Málaga CF (@MalagaCF) May 25, 2016
"I would like to thank the Sheikh [Abdullah Al Thani] and his family, thank you for your continuing unconditional support, thanks for always being close despite the distance that separates us sometimes, please leave the doors of this great club open for me in the future.
"Thanks to all club officials. People like Paco Martin Aguilar, Antonio Benitez, Ben Barek who have I special affection for.
"I also want to thank those who brought me to this club [Mario and Vicente], thanks to Arnau for their support, confidence and work in the time we have had together. The future of the club, no doubt, is in good hands.''
