Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of Zinedine Zidane, saying it is "time to respect" the decision of a manager who has won the Champions League three times and La Liga twice with the club.
Zidane's exit follows a disappointing season for Madrid, who lost out to Atlético Madrid in a title race that went to the final day. Real Madrid were also knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semi-finals as they failed to win a trophy for the first time in 11 seasons.
“It is now time to respect his decision and show him our appreciation for his professionalism, dedication and passion in all these years, and for what his figure represents for Real Madrid,” the club said in a statement.
“Zidane is one of the greats of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player for our club. He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”
Zidane had a first spell in charge of Madrid from January 2016 to May 2018 and returned in March 2019.
Off the field this season Madrid were one of the key players behind the failed Super League breakaway with the club president, Florentino Pérez, repeatedly defending the plan and engaging in a war of words with Uefa that shows no sign of slowing down.
Zidane won his second La Liga title in the Covid-affected 2019-20 season. In his first stint he won three Champions Leagues and the 2016-17 Spanish league. - Guardian
