Tuesday 5 January 2016 11:56, UK
David Beckham says former Bernabeu team-mate Zinedine Zidane is "the best person for the job" after Real Madrid appointed him as their new coach.
The 43-year-old Frenchman was installed on Monday evening following the sacking of Rafael Benitez just seven months into a three-year contract.
Beckham, who played alongside Zidane for three years in the Spanish capital, took to his Instagram account to express his delight with the appointment.
He wrote: "Does it get any better than this? A man that has been the best at a game we all love taking over a club that myself and many more people love.
"Someone with drive, passion and also doesn't accept failure on any level taking over from a manager that has huge experience and respect in the game, but taking on a position that he will relish.
"The best person for the job."
Another former Madrid man, Xabi Alonso, wished Zidane "luck", tweeting: "Suerte Zizou!!", while Didier Drogba, like the Frenchman, a United Nations Development Programme ambassador, tweeted: "Good luck, big bro."
Zidane, who won La Liga and the Champions League during 225 appearances for the club, takes over with Real third in the Primera Division table, four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid.
"I want to thank the club and thank the president for giving me the opportunity to train this club," Zidane said. "It's the best club in the world with the best fan-base in the world. I want to do my very best to ensure that this club at the end of the season will have a trophy.
"I will be working hard with all the players and I think it will go well. I am looking forward to working with everybody tomorrow. Tomorrow is when the work starts.
"Thank you to everyone. It is an important day for me, it's an emotional day, even more emotional than the day I signed as a player for the club. I will put all the heart I have into this job for the club. Thank you very much."
