French coach Zinedine Zidane has announced his intention to step down as Real Madrid boss just five days removed from guiding the Spanish supremos to their third successive Champions League capture.
Los Blancos beat Premier League side Liverpool 3-1 to claim their third trophy in as many years under the former Juventus and Madrid star only last Saturday. His announcement has sent shockwaves through the football world as hardly anyone saw it coming.
Rumors of a suspected resignation became rife after he called a shock press conference on Thursday, and his decision was later confirmed in front of the many reporters gathered in the Madrid media room.
The manager, who hinted that he might return someday, cited the need for a change at the helm of the club as the deciding factor behind his move.
“I have taken the decision to not continue into the next season," he said (H/T The Guardian). For me and for everybody, I think the moment to change has arrived. It was not an easy decision.
“This is my decision. Maybe it’s a mistake. But I feel it’s time. If I don’t think that we can keep winning then it’s time. How can I ask more from the players? Big players need a change.
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“If I was the manager here next season, it would have been tough for us to win trophies. You saw in the Copa [del Rey] this season and I can’t forget our domestic campaign that easily.
“I will be close to this club for the rest of my life. I want to thank the fans, who always supported me both as a coach and a player. There were tough moments during the season and although I was sometimes whistled at, I want to thank the fans.
“This is a beautiful moment as we have just won a third straight Champions League and I have now reflected and made this decision."
The 45-year-old spent five years at Madrid as a player and was appointed boss back in 2016. Since then, he has won nine trophies, with a Primera division title, two FIFA Club World Cups, a Spanish Super Cup and two UEFA Super Cups joining his three Champions League hauls.
Real president Florentino Perez has since lamented over Zidane's decision, claiming that he was only informed on Wednesday.
"This was a totally unexpected decision. Zidane informed me of his choice yesterday," Perez said.
"This is a sad day for me, for the players and for everyone involved with the club. He knows that I wanted to sign him more than anyone as a player, as well as a coach.
"I would love for him to be by my side forever."
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