David Beckham hails Real Madrid's appointment of Zinedine Zidane

David Beckham thinks Zinedine Zidane is "the best man for the job" at Real Madrid. The 40-year-old star – who played alongside the Frenchman at Los Blancos from 2003 until 2006 – has backed his former team-mate to be a success at the Bernabeu.

Zidane, 43, has replaced Rafa Benitez at Real and despite his limited coaching experience, Beckham thinks he is the ideal man for the role. The former England captain took to his Instagram account to express his delight at the appointment.

He wrote: "Does it get any better than this?? A man that has been the best at a game we all love taking over a club that myself and many more people love.

"Someone with drive, passion and also doesn't accept failure on any level taking over from a manager that has huge experience and respect in the game, but taking on a position that he will relish. The best person for the job."

The Frenchman was appointed following Real's 2-2 draw against Gary Neville's Valencia on January 3.

During his unveiling as the new Real coach, Zidane announced his intention to win a trophy this season. The three-time World Player of the Year also said he was determined to achieve success for "the best club in the world".

He explained: "I want to thank the club and thank the president for giving me the opportunity to train this club. It's the best club in the world with the best fan-base in the world. I want to do my very best to ensure that this club at the end of the season will have a trophy."

Real currently sit third in La Liga, four points off league leaders and their cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid. In Europe, meanwhile, they are set to face Italian side Roma in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.