Zinedine Zidane makes incredible Real Madrid return on deal until 2022 after Solari is sacked

ZINEDINE ZIDANE insists he's ready for the Real Madrid challenge again after returning to the Spanish side.

The Frenchman was reappointed as manager on Monday having left the club in the summer.

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And after replacing the sacked Santiago Solari, Zidane says he feels refreshed and ready to go again at the Bernabeu.

He said: "It has been difficult from outside looking in but I am looking forward to working with the players and competing again.

"I have been living here in Madrid, doing my things, but I have recharged my batteries. I'm ready to coach this great club again."

Zidane added: "When I left, it was the best decision for everyone - the team needed a change.

"I am here because the president called me. I love this club very much and here I am. We have 11 games left this season and we want to do as well as we can.";

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Real Madrid made contact with the 46-year-old after their humiliating Champions League exit to Ajax last week.

It means they will end the season trophyless to leave the Madrid board with little choice but to search for a new manager.

Zizou created history at the Bernabeu by winning Europe's most prestigious competition for three consecutive years.

He also won La Liga and Supercopa de Espana before resigning as manager at the end of last season.

Solari, who bowed out with a 4-1 victory over Valladolid, reportedly said his goodbyes to players at the training ground this morning.

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Zidane is braced to take his first training session on either Tuesday or Wednesday after enjoying nine months out the game.

Club president Florentino Perez also considered former manager Jose Mourinho but he opted against the Portuguese over a boardroom split.

The Special One spent three seasons with Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga in 2012.

But he fell out with high profile stars including Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo.