Lopetegui and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

Julen Lopetegui is now officially the new Real Madrid head coach. The sacked coach of Spain has signed a contract with the UEFA Champions League champions, which ties him to the club for the next three seasons.

He replaced Zinedine Zidane, who spent just two and half years with the club.

Florentino Pérez and several members of the Board of Directors welcomed Lopetegui, who returned from Russia today, to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Following the signing of the contract, Lopetegui was presented with a replica of the stadium, a watch and a shirt displaying his name.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said “nothing justifies” Spain sacking Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup in response to the La Liga club naming him as their new boss.