Zinedine Zidane left Real Madrid a week after leading them to third consecutive Champions League title.
French manager Zinedine Zidane has announced his resignation as manager of Real Madrid. The Frenchman called an impromptu press conference earlier today to announce his decision. He was accompanied by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez as manager of Los Blancos in 2016. Since becoming the Real Madrid manager, Zidane has won three consecutive Champions League title, being the first manager to do so. He also led the club to La Liga triumph in 2016-17. In his three seasons at the club, he didn’t lose a single cup final.
“I love this club, I love the president. He gave me the opportunity to come as a player and now manager and I am eternally grateful. But we have to change,” Zidane said, while addressing the media at the press conference.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also registered his shock at the decision, saying, “After winning the Champions League, the decision was unexpected. It is a sad day for me, the fans and the players.”
Ronaldo’s tribute
Since his announcement, fans from across the world, and current and former footballers have expressed their shock at the decision.
Real Madrid’s star player and five-time Balon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo led the series of tributes for the former Real Madrid boss. The Portuguese star took to Instagram to pay his tribute to Zidane.
Ronaldo wrote, ” “I’m just proud of being your player. Mister, thanks for so much.”
