The French football legend, Zinedine Zidane, will be returning to Real Madrid after the club sacked Santiago Solari less than five months in charge.

The former Madrid midfielder has agreed to take charge of the club from Wednesday itself, till the year June 30, 2022.

“Real Madrid’s board has decided to terminate Santiago Solari’s contract as coach of the first team,” read an official statement on Monday.

“Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this club.

“The board has also agreed to the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of Real Madrid with immediate effect for the remainder of the season and the next three, until June 30, 2022.”

Zidane left in May after leading the club to a third straight Champions League trophy, after beating Liverpool in 2018, Juventus in 2017 and Atletico in 2016. Julen Lopetegui was then hired just before the World Cup and four and a half months later, they sacked him.

Reserve-team boss, Solari, then came in as caretaker.

“Real Madrid thanks Santiago Solari for his work done and the commitment and loyalty he has shown to what is his home,” the club said.

It added the former player had been offered another role with the club.

Zidane was officially unveiled in a ceremony on Monday and said: “I want to put this club back where it belongs.

“It has been difficult from the outside looking in.

“I have been living here in Madrid, doing my things. But I have recharged my batteries. I’m ready to coach this great club again.”

Real Madrid have had a shameful week after being crashed out of Copa del Rey, Champions League and losing any real chance to catch up with Barcelona in the league. The club are currently third in La Liga, 12 points behind leaders Barcelona and Zidane faces a huge task of carrying the club at least in the top four and rebuilding the team’s broken spirits.