Story highlights Real Madrid appoints Zinedine Zidane as new coach

Frenchman left Real in May 2018

Zidane won three Champions Leagues during first Real spell

(CNN) He couldn't say "no" to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, revealed Zinedine Zidane after the football great made a surprise return to coach the club less than a year after leaving the Spanish giants in the wake of one of its great European successes.

The 46-year-old Frenchman led Real to three consecutive Champions League trophies during his first spell in charge at the Bernabeu, but then stepped down in May 2018.

Zidane replaces former teammate Santiago Solari, who was promoted to the role of Real coach after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed following a poor run of form in October.

"Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this house," said a Real Madrid statement on Monday.

"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."

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