Breaking: Zinedine Zidane to Step Down as Real Madrid Manager

Former France international, Zinedine Zidane has said that he is stepping down as Real Madrid boss. The announcement comes a mere five days after leading ‘Los Blancos’ to a third straight Champions League triumph.

According to his impromptu press conference, he claimed that the club needed “a different voice”. Speaking at the press conference, Zidane said, “everything changes” and “that’s why I took this decision”.

The Frenchman leaves the club after guiding them to three successive Champions League titles. Also during his tenure, Real Madrid won the La Liga once 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. And that’s why I took this decision.”

Florentino Perez admitted that the decision came as a shock to him and the outgoing manager found support in Sergio Ramos.

The 45-year old also revealed that he was close to signing a contract but changed his mind. He says he doesn’t have plans to coach next season. If anyone has earned a long lie down, it’s him.

He said, “Being a coach is extremely tiring – more so at a club like Real Madrid, When I feel there is nothing more to give, I’ll walk away.”

‘Zizou’ also said that the outcome would have remained the same even if Real Madrid lost the Champions League final.

Now, there are several questions that need answering. What next for Zidane? and who will Real Madrid find as his replacement?

I also remains to be seen if Zidane will manage elsewhere or retire from managing altogether. The former Real Madrid player has had a fair amount of success in his tenure as Real Madrid manager.