PARIS: Manager Zinedine Zidane has resigned from Real Madrid five days after his team was pipped to the La Liga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club confirmed on Thursday.
The Frenchman led Real Madrid to two league titles and three Champions League triumphs in two spells as coach since 2016. “Real Madrid announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to bring an end to his current spell as coach of our club,” said Real’s statement.
“Now’s the time to respect his decision and show our respect and gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion in the last few years and for what he represents for Real Madrid,” it added.
The statement further said, “Zidane is one of Real Madrid’s all-time greats and his legend goes beyond what he has done as a coach and player for our club. He knows that he is always in the heart of the club’s supporters and that Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Real finished second in La Liga, two points behind Atletico, was knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage by Chelsea and suffered a humiliating exit in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey to third division minnows Alcoyano.
It was a far cry from Zidane’s first three seasons at Real when he guided the club to a hat-trick of Champions League crowns, a La Liga title and two Club World Cups.
He left in May 2018, but returned 10 months later and secured a second La Liga title last season. Former Juventus and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is likely to be in the frame to replace Zidane, having walked away from Inter Milan on Wednesday after leading the club to the Serie A title.
