President Florentino Perez announced the dismissal of the experienced Benitez, who had a contract until June 2018, following a board meeting and Zidane was present at the president’s news conference at the Bernabeu stadium.

“Firstly I would like to thank the club and the president for giving me the chance to coach this team,” Zidane, known as “Zizou” and a hero to Real’s fans, told reporters.

“What we need to do now, and what I will try to do, is try to do my best so that this team is a winner at the end of the season,” added the 43-year-old, one of the club’s youngest-ever coaches.

“The important thing is to be with the team tomorrow and start work,” he said.

“I will put all the heart I have into the job for this club and try to make sure things work out well,” Zidane said. 

While most Madrid fans welcomed the decision, there were some that saw the club’s decision like this: 

Among the first to come out in support of his appointment was former teammate David Beckham who posted this on his Instagram account: 

And here’s what Pep Guardiola’s team had to say to him: 

Tennis legend Boris Becker also weighed in: 

Just in case you don’t remember why the Frenchman is such a legend there’s this: 

And many are already hoping his next meeting with Barcelona FC coach Luis Enrique at the next El Classico will go like this: