Zidane vows to win laurels for Madrid

Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane promised to put his "heart and soul" into managing the Spanish giants after he was sensationally named as coach following Rafael Benitez's unceremonious sacking.

The three-time world player of the year takes over at the globe's richest club despite a limited coaching CV which includes his stewardship of Real's feeder team, Castilla.

But Zidane, 43, said he would do his utmost to make sure Real, currently third in La Liga after an unhappy spell under Benitez, land silverware this year.

"We have the best club in the world, the best fans and what we have to do now, and what I will try my best to do, is ensure the team wins at the end of the season," said the Frenchman.

"I'm more excited now than I was when I signed as a player. I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well," he added.

The length of Zidane's contract was not announced. He becomes the 11th coach to be appointed under Madrid president Florentino Perez, whose two spells in charge stretch to just over 12 years.

Perez said it was a "difficult decision" to part ways with Benitez, whose seven-month reign came to an end after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Valencia. AFP