REAL Madrid manager Zinedine 'Zizou' Zidane has stunned fans by quitting just days after the premier league club's epic 13th Champions' title in Kiev.
The French national, who took over from Rafa Benítez in January 2016, called a press conference today (Thursday) at the Valdebebas stadium after breaking the news to club chairman Florentino Pérez.
Speculation was rife as to what he was going to say, especially after star player Cristiano Ronaldo's cryptic remark after the Champions' League final that 'it was great playing with Real Madrid', sparking concern that the Portuguese five-times Ballon d'Or winner was on the move.
Pérez and Zidane appeared together on the stage at the start of the conference, which the chairman opened by telling those present that the club's brilliant trainer had 'informed him of an unexpected decision'.
Taking the mic from Pérez, Zidane confirmed he was leaving Real Madrid because 'the club needs a change after such a successful period'.
Nobody, not even Florentino Pérez, appeared completely clear as to Zidane's exact reasons.
In his two years and five months with Real Madrid, the club has racked up a record nine titles, including three Champions' Leagues on the trot, the Liga title last year, two Euro Supercups, two World Club Championships, and a Spanish Supercup.
In fact, in the last two-and-a-half seasons, it has only failed to clinch four out of 13 possible trophies under Zizou's auspices.
This makes the Marseille-born manager – who was named 'man of the match' 20 years ago when he helped his national team, France, win the FIFA World Cup – the most successful in Real Madrid's entire history.
During Zidane's shock announcement this afternoon, Pérez said: “See you soon, Zizou, I've no doubt you'll be back. But if you need a rest, you deserve it.”
Zizou, pressed for answers, said: “I'm going to stay close by, but the decision makes sense to me; it's the right moment to make a change – for the players, too – after three years.”
He thanked his fans, whom he said have 'always supported him' both as trainer and player.
“We've been through some complicated times; this season hasn't been easy. There are moments when you ask yourself, am I the right person for the job? It makes you reflect.
“After three years, that's my decision. It's hard, after three years, to carry on winning, especially after having won three Champions' League titles.”
Asked whether his quitting had anything to do with Cristiano Ronaldo's hints after beating Liverpool to win the Champions, Zizou simply said 'no'.
The press conference was over within less than 40 minutes, ending with a round of applause.
Legendary Zizou has little left to achieve in his career, having travelled a long way from his modest beginnings as the son of Algerian migrants in a working-class Marseille suburb, kicking a ball around on the street with the neighbourhood children.
Two decades ago, he promised the children on his native estate that if he – and France – won the World Cup, he would let them have the trophy.
Zizou did not forget his promise back in the summer of 1998, and received a hero's welcome from the kids upon his return.
