REAL MADRID have confirmed manager Zinedine Zidane has left the club.
Reports circulated on Wednesday that the Frenchman was set to quit the Bernabeu following a trophy-less campaign.
Zidane, 48, returned for his second spell in charge at the Bernabeu in March 2019.
Real Madrid paid tribute to the Frenchman with a heartfelt statement that read: “Real Madrid CF announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his current stage as coach of our club.
“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.
WIN £50,000 with Dream Team Euros
Dream Team Euros is HERE!
The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
Dream Team Euros
- £50,000 jackpot
- The best fantasy football game this summer
- Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
- FREE to play
“Zidane is one of the great myths of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player of our club.
“He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”
Club legend Sergio Ramos also paid tribute to Zidane and wrote: “ZZ, the one and only. I wish you all the best. You deserve it, you’ve earned it.
“Enjoy life, enjoy family. Big hug, mister. Merci, Zidane.”
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added: “It has been an honour to have a legend like you as a coach.
“Thank you for what you have taught me, for the trust you have always had in me and for what we have won together. Hopefully we meet again. I wish you all the best!”
Real Madrid have endured a difficult campaign, finishing second behind rivals Atletico in the LaLiga title race.
Real suffered a shock early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of third-tier Alcoyano.
And in Europe, Zidane’s side were dumped out in comprehensive fashion by Chelsea at the semi-finals stage.
The former midfielder did win the league title in 2019-20 to add to his one LaLiga, three Champions Leagues and two Club World Cups from his first spell.
Zidane also spent five seasons at Real Madrid as a player, winning the league title and Champions League.
Real will now turn their attentions to finding a new boss with Max Allegri reportedly being targeted.
However they could face serious competition from Inter Milan and Juventus for his signature.
Mauricio Pochettino also remains an option although SunSport exclusively revealed how the Argentine could be set for a sensational return to Tottenham.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
