Zidane bids shock farewell to Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has resigned as manager of Real Madrid just days after securing a third straight Champions League trophy.

The 45-year-old has won three Champions League trophies since taking over from Rafael Benitez in January 2016 as well as a league title in 2016/17. It has been a historically successful stint in charge of the Bernabeu club for the former French international, becoming the first manager in Champions League history to defend the trophy, in Cardiff last June, before adding a third consecutive win in Kiev last Saturday night.

Zidane won nine trophies as Real Madrid boss and incredibly lost just 16 times in 149 games.

The Frenchman said whilst speaking in his press conference on Thursday morning as reported by the Guardian; "I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams.
 
"But everything changes and that's why I've taken the decision to leave.
 
“What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology and that's why I took this decision."
 
Club president Florentino Perez added; "This was a totally unexpected decision and today is a sad day for me and for everyone who works for this club.
 
"When he says he's taken a decision though, we have to accept it. 
 
"I tried to convince him but I know how it is. He knows he has all our love and support.
 
"One can't be prepared for something like this. I remember the first time I went to his house and asked him to coach Real Madrid and he was absolutely convinced he could win things. 
 
"We must thank him for his care and passion for Real Madrid over these years.
 
"The only thing I want to say is 'hasta pronto' because I know he will return, maybe after a rest."