Torsten Frings is returning to Werder Bremen to commence his coaching career after hanging up his boots in February.
The 36-year-old former Germany international left Bremen in 2011 to end his playing career with Toronto FC after a total of 11 years with the northern Germany club.
He now returns to a trainee coaching role with Bremen which will last 24 months and will see him sit his coaching badge exams at the same time.
"We are delighted that now Torsten Frings is starting the next stage of his career with Werder after ending his playing career," said Bremen's chairman Klaus Filbry.
"We are certain that we have developed a good plan with Torsten."
Frings will work predominantly with Bremen's youth team and their coach Viktor Skripnik, but he will also work closely with first-team coach Robin Dutt as a link between the club's youth academy and the professional squad.
"I am delighted to be back at Werder and that the club and management are giving me this opportunity to further my career here," said Frings, who made 89 appearances for Germany and first joined Bremen in 1997.
"I think it is particularly great that I will be able to work together with Viktor Skripnik.
"It is going to be a busy but above all exciting time for me."
