Breaking News: Zinedine Zidane Becomes Real Madrid manager

Zinedine Zidane has replaced Rafael Benitez as manager of Real Madrid following the sacking of Rafa seven months after been appointed as manager.

In his 25 games into a three years contract, Benitez led Real to 17 wins, five draws and three defeats at a win percentage of 68, the seventh-highest in the club's history. Benitez's last match saw Real throw away a lead twice as they drew 2-2 at Gary Neville's Valencia on Sunday evening, leaving the club four points off leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Benitez took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2015 after the Italian was sacked in May, and the former Liverpool boss went unbeaten in his first 14 games in charge. He also guided Real to the knockout stages of the Champions League, dropping just two points as they topped Group A. But Benitez's low point was Real's humiliating 4-0 defeat by rivals Barcelona in November's Clasico at the Bernabeu, adding to league defeats at Sevilla and Villarreal. Further disappointment was to follow when Madrid were thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding ineligible player Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz last month.

Zidane, who made 225 appearances for the club, was managing Real Madrid Castilla, but has now been promoted to manager of the 10-time European champions. Zidane is Real Madrid's 13th manager this century, having won just one league title in the previous seven seasons. The Frenchman said at the club's press conference: “I'm going to do everything I can to make the best for this club. It's a very important day for me. What I can tell you is that I will give everything or this club. Ever since I arrived as a player I knew how great this club was. We have the best fans in the world and the best club in the world and I'll do everything to win."

Club president Florentino Perez had this to say about the new manager “He is one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane, you are from this moment, the coach of Real Madrid”.