Spain coach Lopetegui to take charge of Real Madrid

Madrid, June 12: Real Madrid on Tuesday announced that current Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui will take charge of the record European club football champions for the next three seasons.

Lopetegui will join the club after Spain's participation in the World Cup, after two years leading the national team, according to Real Madrid's website.

Zinedine Zidane left Real Madrid as head coach after winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

"Lopetegui will join the club once his involvement with the Spanish national squad in the World Cup finals is over, having spent two years in charge of the national side," Real Madrid said, adding that he would sign for the next three seasons initially.

Rumours as to who might take over at Los Blancos had filled the sporting press in the wake of Zidane's sudden departure at the end of May, reports Efe.

The Frenchman took his leave after winning three consecutive Champions League trophies, saying it was the right time to go.

Lopetegui had on May 22 renewed his contract as Spain coach until 2020. IANS