Perez hails Zidane for changing history of Real Madrid

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hailed coach Zinedine Zidane for making history at the club.

The Frenchman turned the club's fortunes around after replacing Rafael Benitez back in January, and led the club to the Champions League title on Saturday.

The 43-year-old had helped the club triumph in the competition before, winning it as a player in 2002, and also as assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti in 2014.

Perez has since heaped praise on Zidane, claiming he will forever be highly regarded in the club's history.

"The key element is Zidane," the president told Marca. "He has changed the recent history of Real Madrid.

"Since 2001 he has created a way to understand football that has helped us win these European Cups."

Perez also revealed that Zidane was confident in his abilities and promised him success when he took over as the head coach. 

"Zidane symbolises the values of Real Madrid like respect, humbleness and talent," he continued.

"When I spoke to him back in January he told me he was ready to work and that he knew Real Madrid and its changing room very well.

"He said to me: 'Don't worry president, we will win something. I'm certain'."