Zinedine Zidane has announced his shock decision to step down as Real Madrid boss, less than a week after leading the club to a third straight Champions League title.
The Frenchman was appointed as Rafael Benitez's successor in early 2016 and guided the club to European glory in each of his three attempts, as well as the 2016-17 La Liga title.
Despite his continental success, Zidane had been criticised for Los Blancos' inconsistent form in defending their league crown, as they eventually finished third in this season's standings, 17 points behind Barcelona.
I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology.
Zinedine Zidane
The 45-year-old only signed a new contract until 2020 in January and president Florentino Perez has described the news as "totally unexpected" after a meeting with the manager on Wednesday.
Despite Saturday's 3-1 victory over Liverpool in Kiev, Real have been the centre of specualtion over the futures of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Zidane, who also played for the club between 2001 and 2006, was applauded out of his final press conference.
The former France captain says the time has come for fresh input at the Bernabeu, insisting the call is the right one for the club.
"I love this club," Zidane said. "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.
"It's a strange moment to do so, I know, but an important one to. I had to do this for everyone."
Real are 6/1 to retain their Champions League title, while they can be backed at 5/4 to win next season's La Liga.
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Zinedine Zidane has announced his shock decision to step down as Real Madrid boss, less than a week after leading the club to a third straight Champions League title.
The Frenchman was appointed as Rafael Benitez's successor in early 2016 and guided the club to European glory in each of his three attempts, as well as the 2016-17 La Liga title.
Despite his continental success, Zidane had been criticised for Los Blancos' inconsistent form in defending their league crown, as they eventually finished third in this season's standings, 17 points behind Barcelona.
I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology.
Zinedine Zidane
The 45-year-old only signed a new contract until 2020 in January and president Florentino Perez has described the news as "totally unexpected" after a meeting with the manager on Wednesday.
Despite Saturday's 3-1 victory over Liverpool in Kiev, Real have been the centre of specualtion over the futures of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Zidane, who also played for the club between 2001 and 2006, was applauded out of his final press conference.
The former France captain says the time has come for fresh input at the Bernabeu, insisting the call is the right one for the club.
"I love this club," Zidane said. "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.
"It's a strange moment to do so, I know, but an important one to. I had to do this for everyone."
Real are 6/1 to retain their Champions League title, while they can be backed at 5/4 to win next season's La Liga.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com