Real Madrid have confirmed the reappointment of Zinedine Zidane as manager until 2022.
Zidane has made a sensational return to the club just nine months after he walked away following his third successive Champions League trophy.
The club had grown increasingly frustrated by results under Santiago Solari and the unceremonious defeat by Ajax at the Bernabeu proved the final straw.
Zidane won an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles with the Spanish giants before resigning in May last year, with his replacement Julen Lopetegui sacked in October and Solari lasting just over four months in charge.
Perez asked Zidane to come back after Madrid crashed out of the Champions League against Ajax but it seemed impossible that the Frenchman would return, having seen his worst fears realised in the way Madrid’s season has been a disaster after selling Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.
Zidane said no to his former president and the continual pursuit seemed to be a strategy so that Perez could make the unpopular appointment of Jose Mourinho.
Perez was ready to table a £14.5million offer to Mourinho and it is thought a similar amount has been offered to bring Zidane back into the fray.
Zidane oversaw an incredible period of success in the Spanish capital, winning an incredible nine trophies in just two-and-a-half years in charge.
In a statement, the club said: ‘The Board of Directors of Real Madrid, meeting today, Monday, March 11, 2019, has decided to terminate the contract that linked Santiago Solari with the club as coach of the first team and, at the same time, Real Madrid has offered to continue belonging to the club.
‘Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this house.
‘The Board of Directors has also agreed the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of Real Madrid with immediate incorporation for the remainder of the season and the next three, until June 30, 2022.
‘The president of Real Madrid will appear today with Zinedine Zidane before the media at 8:00 pm in the press room of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.’
Los Blancos sit a sizeable 12 points behind bitter rivals Barcelona in the La Liga table and it is thought this is Perez’s final attempt to salvage something this season.
