5 things you should know about Julen Lopetegui

In what was the most surprising news ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018, Spain boss Julen Lopetegui was appointed as Zinedine Zidane's successor at Real Madrid. Lopetegui will take charge at the Bernabeu after Spain's involvement in Russia.

This appointment truly came out of nowhere as the 51-year-old Spaniard was not considered by anyone to be in the race for the most intriguing job in world football. Also, Lopetegui had recently signed a new deal with the Spanish FA, keeping him at the job until 2020.

But a paltry €2 million release clause was activated yesterday by Real Madrid to make Lopetegui their next manager. It is an interesting choice but going by his past, Lopetegui seems to be a good fit for what will soon be a transitional phase at the club.

So without further ado, let's take a look at 5 things about Julen Lopetegui that you should know.

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#5 His long association with Real Madrid

Julen Lopetegui managed the RM Castilla in 2008

Lopetegui a former goalkeeper, started his career with Real Sociedad but was quickly snapped up by Real Madrid Castilla when he was 19. He spent six seasons in Madrid from 1985-91. After three years with the reserve squad, Lopetegui was promoted to the first team.

But a failure to claim Real Madrid's number 1 goalkeeper led Lopetegui to make just one senior appearance for the club against Atletico Madrid. After his playing days were behind him, the Spaniard worked as a scout for the first team.

Lopetegui also managed the Castilla team in the 2008-09 season and finished sixth in the Segunda division.

From being a reserve goalkeeper to be given the reigns of managing a highly efficient and an expensively assembled squad, Lopetegui's career has completed a full circle.

#4 Julen Lopetegui has played for FC Barcelona

The Spaniard has played for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona

After ending his stint with Real Madrid as a player, Julen Lopetegui moved to Logroñes where he became the club's first choice custodian. Making 107 appearances in three seasons, Lopetugui impressed another giant of Spanish football and was signed by FC Barcelona in 1994.

But he received the same fate at Camp Nou as he had at the Bernabeu. Lopetegui could not dislodge Carles Busquets as the club's top goalkeeper and was his understudy for three seasons at the club. He made just five appearances for FC Barcelona but received his only Spain cap (against Croatia in a 2-0 loss) during his time in Catalonia.

Lopetegui will become only the second ever manager after Luis Enrique to manage Real Madrid/FC Barcelona after playing for both the sides.

#3 Lopetegui was close to being named as the manager of Wolves

Wolves were close to appointing Lopetugui as their manager in 2016

The 51-year-old was involved with Spanish youth sides between 2010-2014. He won the Euros U-19 in 2012 which included the likes of Saul Niguez and Gerard Deulofeu. Lopetegui then won the Euros U-21 a year later which featured a number of today's Spanish superstars such as Isco, Koke and Thiago Alcantara.

After his work with the Spanish youth sides, Lopetegui went to Portugal with FC Porto but after a season and a half in charge, he was unceremoniously sacked. Then came the news of him becoming the Wolves manager in 2016 - just before he accepted the Spanish job of taking over from Vicente Del Bosque.

Lopetegui has himself admitted that he was close to agreeing on a move to England to manage at the Molineux. The deal was being engineered by his close friend and Wolves' power broker Jorge Mendes.

#2 He has a close relationship with David De Gea

Julen Lopetegui can lure David De Gea to Real Madrid

This revelation will be music to the ears of the Real Madrid faithful. The club's long-term goalkeeping target and arguably the best in the business, David De Gea shares a close bond with the new manager. If you connect the dots, we may well see De Gea in Real Madrid colours after the World Cup.

De Gea's agent Jorge Mendes is close to Julen Lopetugui which may further aid Real Madrid's cause. Lopetegui's move to the Bernabeu was masterminded by agent Carlos Bucero - a man said to be on excellent terms with Mendes and De Gea.

Also, the Spanish boss has always spoken highly of his no.1 goalkeeper. And the duo go a long way back too. It was De Gea who was the goalkeeper in Lopetugui's Spain's U-21 team that won the European Championship in 2013.

#1 Lopetegui considers Lionel Messi to be the greatest player ever

Julen Lopetugui has termed Messi as the best in the past

The new Real Madrid boss once called Lionel Messi "the best of all time" in an interview with Argentine outlet 'TyC'. This wouldn't have made an issue before but now being associated with Los Blancos, Lopetegui may have to change his opinion as soon as he takes charge at the Bernabeu.

With Cristiano Ronaldo in the ranks, Lopetegui would not want his talisman to throw a new fit after his contract demands. But the Spaniard has showered praises on the Argentine superstar on numerous occasions.

In an interview with '20 minitos', Lopetugui once said, "He's made the difference in so many ways over a continuous period of time. It's a joy to watch him play." Also ahead of the World Cup, when asked about Lionel Messi, Spain's manager said, "It's extremely unlikely that we'll see another player like him."

Real Madrid faithful will have to swallow a bitter pill reading the views of their new manager on their bitter rival's greatest ever player. But with Lopetegui now being appointed as the Real Madrid coach, expect an end to his lavish comments on Lionel Messi.