Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has welcomed Zinedine Zidane to the bench after he was confirmed as Rafa Benitez’s replacement.
The change was made on Monday with Zidane stepping up from Real Madrid Castilla to succeed Benitez, who was in charge for seven months.
“We have taken the difficult decision, especially for me, to terminate the contract of Rafa Benitez,” Perez told the Press.
“He is a great professional and a great person. I want to thank him for his dedication in these months.”
Perez then turned to the new man, Zidane, and referred to the former France international’s successful playing career at the club, and his history as a coach with Los Blancos.
“[Zidane is] undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in the history of football,” Perez continued.
“He knows better than anyone what it’s like to lead Madrid. He knows how hard this bench is, knows these players and was the assistant when we won the 10th European Cup.
“For him, there is no such word as impossible.”
