Zidane Resigns as Real Madrid Manager.

Zinedine Zidane has announced his resignation as manager of Real Madrid few days after guiding the Spanish club to a third straight Uefa Champions League title.

The Frenchman announced he was stepping down after two-and-a-half years in charge, during which he won nine trophies including an unprecedented three consecutive European Cups.

At an impromptu media briefing, Zidane said,

"I have taken the decision not to continue next year as Real Madrid coach. After three years I need another discourse, another method of working," 

"I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams.

"But everything changes and that's why I've taken the decision to leave."

Madrid's 3-1 triumph over Liverpool in Kiev last Saturday extended the Spanish club's record to 13 European Cups, but proved to be Zidane's last in charge of the club.

Zidane said he had spoken with his captain Sergio Ramos and conveyed his decision to the rest of the squad.

"I've sent a message to all the squad and I've spoken to Sergio Ramos," he said. "As always as a person and captain, we have lived a lot together, he respects my decision. He wished me luck. He is a leader, a captain and it has been a pleasure to share three more years with him."

Club president Florentino Perez, who sat alongside Zidane, said: "This was a totally unexpected decision and today is a sad day for me and for everyone who works for this club.

"When he says he's taken a decision though, we have to accept it.

"I tried to convince him but I know how it is. He knows he has all our love and support.

"The only thing I want to say is 'hasta pronto' because I know he will return, maybe after a rest," he added.

Zidane at Madrid 😍

(player & coach combined)

UEFA Champions League

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UEFA Super Cup

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Club World Cup

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Spanish Super Cup

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Liga

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Intercontinental Cup

Zidane claimed the first of his hat-trick of European triumphs two years ago when Real defeated local rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in the final. A year later he led Real to their first European Cup and La Liga double in 59 years.

Real finished three points ahead of Barcelona as they won their first league title since 2012 before crushing Juventus 4-1 in the Champions League final to become the first side to win the competition in its current format in back-to-back seasons.

Zidane's other achievements include back-to-back Fifa Club World Cups, the latest of which was secured in Abu Dhabi last December. 

Madrid will be back in the capital to defend their title at the December 12-22 tournament.