Real Madrid has re-appointed former coach Zinedine Zidane, after sacking Santiago Solari on Tuesday (NZ time), the Spanish club has announced.
Madrid says the former French great has accepted an offer to replace Solari, signing a contract until June 2022.
Zidane won an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles with Real, before resigning in May last year.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Real Madrid wish to thank Solari for his work, commitment and the loyalty that he has always displayed towards this club, which is his home.
"The board of directors also agreed on the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of Real Madrid with immediate effect for the remainder of the season and the next three campaigns, until 30 June 2022."
Madrid's entire season has collapsed in the space of a week, with double Clasico defeats by Barcelona knocking them out of the Copa del Rey and leaving them 12 points adrift in La Liga.
Last Tuesday, Real were also eliminated from the Champions League in the last 16 by Ajax.
Former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui replaced Zidane, but was sacked in October, with Solari taking the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, although he has himself been ousted.
Zidane, who took over in January 2016, won the Champions League that season, before claiming a La Liga and European Cup double in 2017.
Five days after a third victory in last season's Champions League final over Liverpool, the French coach and former Real Madrid midfielder decided to walk away, saying it was the right moment to depart.
The 46-year-old won nine trophies at Madrid and was considered a hero by supporters, after managing them in one of the club's most successful eras.
Zidane's job at Madrid now will be to keep them in the top four to ensure they qualify for the Champions League next season. Real are third with 11 games to play and 10 points ahead of fifth place.
Solari enjoyed a 4-1 win at Real Valladolid on Sunday in what appears to have been his final stand as Madrid coach.
Reuters
