Real Madrid Confirms Zinedine Zidane's Exit As Clubs Manager

Real Madrid had confirmed that manager Zidane has decided to depart the club bringing an early end to his contract, which was set to expire in 2022.

Zidane who returned to his second spell as manager was of the club in March 2019, saw his side come up just short in LaLiga this season, with Atlético Madrid holding on to win the title on the last day with a victory over Real Valladolid.

The Spanish club issued a statement on Thursday morning to officially confirm the news;

"Real Madrid C. F. announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to bring an end to his current spell as head coach of our club.

"We must now respect his decision and express our gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid.

"Zidane is one of Real Madrid’s great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club.

"He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid."

Zidane's departure from Real Madrid has earlier been rumoured this month, after the French coach told his players and rest of the team of his decision to exit the club just before the home game against Sevilla in the LaLiga on Saturday May 8, which ended 2-2.

According to reports by Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Zidane told the dressing room, he has thought long and hard about his decision and it is final. He believes his time at Real Madrid is over and that it's time to step aside, meaning that he won't be manager of the side next season.

This won't be the first time that Zidane would be leaving the Los Blancos' dugout, when he surprisingly departed in May 2018, five days after he won his third consecutive Champions League title with the team. 

The Los Blancos side endured a difficult season without a trophy, finishing second behind rivals Atletico in the LaLiga title race.

Real suffered a shock early exit  from the Copa del Rey in January after loosing 2-1 to third-tier Alcoyano.

And in Europe, Zidane's side were dumped out in a comprehensive fashion by Chelsea at the semi-finals stage after a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.

Zidane won a total of 11 titles as Real Madrid manager, Only Miguel Munoz, who won 14, has brought more silverware to the club's trophy cabinets.

The World Cup winner with France, also spent five seasons at Real Madrid as a player, winning the league title and Champions League.

By announcing his departure to the club today, Zidane gives Real Madrid time to plan for next season, the board are already scrutinising the market for a new coach, with contact being made with Allegri and Rául. 

The rumours linking Antonio Conte with Madrid have grown but it is Allegri who Los Blancos are lining up as first choice.

Zinedine Zidane speaking on his Real Madrid exit said: “I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, nor the support to build something in the medium or long term."