Zidane quits as Real Madrid coach after 3rd Champions League

A true Real Madrid man, the former playmaker won five La Liga titles and three Champions League during a career which included nearly 550 appearances for Los Merengues.

“This club deserves to continue to win and needs a change” he said, adding that he believed the “moment has come”.

Zidane said his association with Madrid may not be at an end. I just don’t see it so clear to keep winning this year’.

The Frenchman, a legendary Madrid player, also described some of the burden that rests on the players. There were some tough moments, some good moments and we finished with a spectacular moment’.

Luis Enrique did similar after his hugely successful three years in charge at Camp Nou between 2014-17. Madrid president Florentino Perez, by all accounts, appeared uncomfortable during the outgoing manager’s exit announcement.

His decision to quit as Madrid coach suddenly left the Spanish club’s future in limbo. It is the moment to make a change.

Ramos’ Madrid team-mates also paid tribute on social media to Zidane with many calling it a pleasure to have been coached by their idol.

Real Madrid are on the hunt for a new manager after Zinedine Zidane announced he would leave the club. “It’s a club I love and I love the president too, he brought me to this huge club and I will always be grateful, but I think a change is needed so I will not be here next season”. “He lived in the dressing room and an environment we don’t know about and only he can make this decision”.

“I would have liked to convince him, but I know how he is, so the only thing I can do is offer my respect and acknowledgement, and tell him he will always be welcome here at his home”.

“For me, it was an unexpected decision and it is a sad day for me and for everyone, for the player and for those who work in this club”. Seeing one step down after so much success is a different look, however.

Zidane has now won nine trophies since replacing Rafael Benitez in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout in January 2016.

“That would be fine for him, as he won’t have the pressure [on him] that you do on the bench at a club where every week you have to do the coaching and being in matches”.

“This side should carry on winning and needs a change for this”.