Zidane steps down as Real Madrid manager
By admin - 2018-05-31 15:16:25

Zinedine Zidane announced his decision to resign from his post as manager of Real Madrid on Thursday, less than one week after winning his third straight UEFA Champions League title with the club.

Zidane announced the stunning development at an impromptu press conference in which he left room for a possible return in the future.

“I’ve taken the decision not to not continue next year as Real Madrid coach,” Zidane said, according to The Independent. “Like I told the president, it could be a ‘see you soon’ because Madrid has given me everything. I will still be close to the club, but this decision is a clear one that might not make sense to some people, but it is the moment to make a change, for the players as well. Im not going to coach another team right now. I’m not looking for another team…now is the time for them to have a different voice in the changing room. ”

Zidane took the Real Madrid reins in January of 2016 after Rafael Benitez was ousted. He went on to lead Real to their 11th Champions League trophy that year, beating Atletico Madrid on penalties. The club also finished second in La Liga in 2016.

The 45-year-old Frenchman also added two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and a Spanish Super Cup to his trophy case as Real’s manager.