Real Madrid have announced that Antonio Pintus has returned to the club as first team head of physical preparation and physical preparation methodology manager.

After the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti and the departure of Zinedine Zidane, the influential fitness coach is back with Los Blancos.

The Italian was at the club during both Ancelotti and Zidane’s first spells with Real Madrid.

With Pintus, Madrid achieved a LaLiga Santander and Champions League double in 2016/17.

Although Zidane had one of his best ever Real Madrid squads in that year, the physical aspect of the team was also lauded as a key factor in the side’s success.