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| Zinedine Zidane announced his decision to step down as Real Madrid head coach in a press conference alongside president Florentino Perez |
Zinedine Zidane has sensationally resigned as Real Madrid head coach less than a week after leading the club to their third successive European Cup triumph.
The 45-year-old announced his departure in a surprise press conference at Real Madrid's training ground on Thursday morning.
Zidane leaves Real Madrid as one
of the club's most successful managers having won three Champions
Leagues, two Fifa Club World Cups and one La Liga title.
"I've taken the decision to not continue next year as Real Madrid coach," Zidane told reporters.
"This is the right moment for everyone, it might seem a bit strange,
but it had to be done for the good of everyone, the players, the club,
and myself.
This team must keep winning, and it needs a change after
three years, another voice, another method of working."
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| Zinedine Zidane became the first manager in the Champions League era to win three successive European Cups |
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"I love this club a lot, the president, who gave me everything – to
play first at this great club. I’ll always be thankful. Today I need to
change, for me, for everyone, for this I’ve taken the decision," Zidane
added.
"I wanted him to stay forever and I wanted to convince him to stay.
But I know it was his final decision," said Real Madrid president
Florentino Perez, who was present alongside Zidane.
"The only thing I want to say is 'hasta pronto' because I know he will return, maybe after a rest," he added.
On Saturday he became the only manager in the Champions League era to win the trophy for three straight years with the same club.
However Real Madrid endured a disastrous league campaign last season, finishing 17 points adrift of eventual winners Barcelona.
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| Zinedine Zidane wave to supporters during Real Madrid's Champions League trophy parade |
Zidane
said he would be taking a break from football after leaving Real Madrid
and would not be interested in taking a new role: "I'm not going to
coach next season. I'm not looking for another team.”
In February the Frenchman admitted he would consider quitting the club if he felt "there is nothing more to give".
However after masterminding Real Madrid's victory over Liverpool in
Kiev, Zidane gave no indication that he was considering his future at
the Bernabeu.
"This is a legendary club. This is a club that has won 13 European Cups so I'm happy to be part of this history," he said.
He added: "We are going to think about what we achieved, enjoy the moment first. This is the most important thing now."
The Frenchman has in the past been linked with the manager's job at
Chelsea, although Antonio Conte remains in charge for now with Maurizio
Sarri tipped to replace him.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been installed as the early favourite to succeed Zidane.
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