Zinedine Zidane says he is stepping down as Real Madrid boss, five days after leading them to a third straight Champions League triumph, claiming the club needs “a different voice”, BBC Sport reports.
Zidane told a news conference on Thursday that “everything changes” and “that’s why I took this decision”.
He leaves having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles and one La Liga success since taking over in January 2016.
“I love this club,” he added.
“What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology.
“This is the right moment for all involved –for me, for the squad, for the club.”
Zidane, 45, said in February he would walk away if he felt “there is nothing more to give”.
Real president Florentino Perez admits it came as a huge shock when Zidane told him he will be stepping down, Reuters reports.
“As you can imagine, after winning the Champions League, to hear this decision is completely unexpected,” he told a news conference. “It’s a sad day for me and it also will be for the fans and players of this club.
“I wanted him as a player and a manager and I wanted him to be next to me forever, but I also know that, when he takes a decision, it’s a final decision.
“It was a huge impact for me when I heard this decision. I would have liked to convince him to stay on but I know what he’s like. All I can offer is my love and respect and remind him that this is his home.”
Source: Punch
