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Cape Town - Real Madrid has confirmed that former captain Fernando Hierro will replace Zinedine Zidane as assistant to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Hierro returns to Madrid 12 years after surprisingly exiting alongside former coach Vicente del Bosque. The former defender made 601 appearances for Madrid, scoring 127 goals and winning the Champions League three times. He also earned 89 caps for Spain.
Hierro, who took up posts as sporting director of the Spanish national team and Malaga in recent years, replaces Zidane who will become head coach of Madrid's reserve team Real Madrid Castilla in Liga Segunda B next season.
The former AC Milan manager will be hoping Hierro can help inspire Madrid to challenge for the La Liga next season as they saw neighbours, Atletico Madrid, lift the trophy after one of the most competitive seasons in the history of the La Liga.
Ancelotti guided Madrid to a tenth Champions League triumph and Copa del Rey double last season. The Los Blancos manager welcomed Hierro with a simple tweet: "Welcome Fernando!"
Bienvenido Fernando! RT @realmadrid: Fernando Hierro, segundo técnico en sustitución de Zidane http://t.co/iuicbm6L5Z pic.twitter.com/CPHMroY1fI
— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) July 10, 2014
