Posted: May 31, 2018 | Updated: 3 years ago
Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid after winning third Champions League.
Following winning the UEFA Champions League final last weekend against Liverpool in Ukraine, the Frenchman has decided to leave the Spanish side, citing ‘This team needs a different voice’. Zinedine Zidane became the first coach to win the Champions Leagues in three consecutive seasons after a 3-1 win.
The 45-year-old replaced Rafael Benitez in January 2016 and despite his European success, he has come under pressure after winning only one La Liga title during his two and a half years spell in charge.
Zinedine Zidane revealed that he hadn’t taken this decision lightly, but feels the time is right for someone fresh to come in and take the club in a different direction. He only signed a new contract back in January which was supposed to keep him at Real Madrid until 2020, but he then went on record saying “it does not mean anything”.
A month later, Zidane 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”.
Zidane’s decision comes five days after Real Madrid’s Champions League final win, the news came as a big surprise and the club even tried to talking him out of leaving.
Zidane used today’s press conference to reveal that his next move would be without Real Madrid, President Florentino Perez appeared alongside him and revealed it was an “unexpected decision”.
“I have taken the decision not to continue next year,” Zidane told the media.
“This is the right moment for everyone, it might seem a bit strange, but it had to be done for the good of everyone, the players, the club, and myself. This team must keep winning, and it needs a change after three years, another voice, another method of working.”
“I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams. “But everything changes and that’s why I’ve taken the decision to leave.”
Club president Florentino Perez confirmed Zidane came to see him yesterday to break the “completely shocking” news.
After Real Madrid endured a difficult season, the former Ballon d’Or-winner revealed his decision was best for all parties.
Following the sacking of Rafa Benitez in Janurary 2016, Zindane took Real Madrid to three successive Champions League titles, as well as the Liga title in 2016-17.
The Frenchman also lead Madrid to back-to-back European Super Cups and Club World Cups in 2016 and 2017
Sports betting has seemingly permeated every aspect of life at this point. We see ads all the time for sports betting, but it really has been a natural part of sports for a long time. Now, it is just more widely accepted with soccer picks. If you haven’t quite joined…
Continue Reading...
Gary Neville is a former professional footballer, football coach, and television pundit. He is best known for his successful career with Manchester United and the England national team. Following his retirement from playing, Neville ventured into football punditry and coaching, adding to his wealth over the years.
Continue Reading...
With the end of season run-in ramping up, the footballing world has hit the speed bump that is the March international break. The March international always draw intense debate upon their necessity, with many fans asking: is it necessary to halt domestic and european action for meaningless friendlies? There is…
Continue Reading...
19 years of hurt, never stopped them dreaming. Next month marks the 20-year anniversary of San Marino’s last victory. Andy Selva curled home a stunning free kick to seal a 1-0 win against Liechtenstein in Serravalle in front of a delirious Sammarinese crowd of 200 on 28th April 2004. FIFA…
Continue Reading...
Following a cinematic weekend of FA Cup action, the country is as gripped as it has ever recently been on the historic competition. But how long will that last with the upcoming TV deal that looks set to change everything?
Continue Reading...
Manchester City have approached Guimaraes representatives over a potential move. The 26-year-old has made a name for himself at St James Park since arriving from Lyon in January 2022. Guimaraes has made 96 appearances for Newcastle United where he has found the back of the net 13 times and has…
Continue Reading...
There were times at Manchester United when supporting the club was a bed of roses. These days it is agony and despair every other week. The mentality of players which existed during the time of Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a nosedive since his departure. Not only the players, but…
Continue Reading...