Fernando Hierro is Real Madrid's new Assistant Coach

It is now official: Fernando Hierro will be Real Madrid's new assistant coach, substituting Zinedine Zidane. The legendary #4, who was our captain between 2001 and 2003 and had the honour of raising the Novena, in Glasgow, will help Ancelotti in the team's direction next season.

Born in Málaga, Hierro was not part of the Cantera, but he is remembered as a true example of madridismo. He joined the club in 1989 and was always a key player, from his early days at the white house until he left the club in 2003. He started playing as a central midfielder, a role in which he excelled and proved his great ability towards the goal, but soon evolved into a centerback.

He played 601 games with the white T-shirt, in which he scored 129 goals, and he won a great bunch of titles, including five Spanish leagues, three Champions Leagues and one Spanish King's Cup. He was also a very important player for the Spanish National Team, in which he played 89 games and scored 29 goals, only outnumbered by David Villa, Raúl González and Fernando Torres.

Like Zidane did with the attackers, we must hope Hierro to help our young defenders and midfielders to improve their defensive skills. He will be, for sure, a great asset of Real Madrid's coaching staff next season.

Welcome back, Hierro!