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In a somewhat surprise move, former France legend Zinedine Zidane today announced that he would be stepping down as head coach of Spanish LaLiga giants Real Madrid after lifting his third UEFA Champions League trophy in a row as coach, his fourth overall.
Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Pérez appeared before the press at Real Madrid City to announce that the coach will be stepping down from his position. The president was the first to speak: “First of all I’d like to thank everyone for being here. As president of Real Madrid I am appearing before you here today alongside Zinedine Zidane, and I would like to let him speak first. Zizou came to me yesterday to inform me of an unexpected decision that he has taken and I think he should be allowed to explain what that decision is and why he has made it. At this moment, I would like to just say that I am standing by him.”
Zidane then said, “As the president said, I have taken the decision to step down as Real Madrid coach. I spoke to him to clarify what I was thinking and I think this is the right moment for all involved: for me, for the squad, for the club… It is a strange moment, but it is an important moment and I had to make this decision for everyone involved.”
“This team needs to continue winning and they need a change. After three years they need different ideas, different ways of working and that is why I took this decision. I love this club dearly and I want to thank the president for the opportunity that he gave me to come and play at this club, this great club. I will remain grateful for the rest of my life. Now, however, it is time for change, for me and for everyone, and that is why I have taken the decision not to continue as Real Madrid coach next year.”
Before responding to questions from the press, Florentino Pérez stated: “As you can imagine, after winning this latest European Cup, this has come as a completely unexpected decision. This is a sad day for me, for the players and for everyone involved with the club, but he knows that I wanted to sign him more than anyone as a player, as well as a coach. I would love for him to be by my side forever.”
“Those who know Zizou, know that when he says he ‘made a decision’ the only thing we can do is accept and respect that because that is how he is. Hearing this decision yesterday really took me aback. I would have loved to convince him to stay, but I know how he is and so all I could do was offer my gratitude, support, and appreciation, as well as reminding him that, even though he already knows, this club will be his family forever.”
“You can never be ready for such a decision and yesterday I was reminded of the time I first visited him to ask if he would train the Real Madrid first team and he told me without a doubt that he was ready, that he was certain he would succeed, and he has done exactly that; we are all aware of just what he has done for us.”
“I thank him for what he has given us, his passion and everything he has done for the club over the years and I’d like to highlight that his behaviour has always been exemplary and in line, as I have always said, with Real Madrid’s values. All I would like to say, Zizou, is this is not a time to say goodbye, it is a time to say we will see you soon. I have no doubt he will be back. It is time for a break, and he certainly deserves that.”
After the president gave his thoughts, Zidane responded to questions from the press: “As the president said, this could well be a case of “see you soon”. Real Madrid have given me everything and I will always be close to this club. I’m sure the decision makes no sense to a lot of people, but for me it does. It is time for a change, for the players too. After three years, it’s the right decision.”
“What I can say is thank you to all of the fans. They always supported me as a player. These fans have a special place in my heart and I have to thank them for their faith. There are always tough moments throughout the season, when the fans may jeer you, but that is how the club is. The fans can be challenging, but from time to time the players need it. When you are in a difficult moment you have to keep plugging away, and if the fans pile on the pressure it can drive you on.”
“I am thankful for all of the people I have had around me. The physio team, doctors, coaching staff, kit men. Everyone at the club. You can achieve things or not. This is a highly challenging club where the pressure is on and everyone at the club gives 100%. Thanks to everyone who has been here the whole time. Winning is down to everyone, not one or two people.”
Real Madrid have been caught totally off guard and will now have to search for a suitable replacement for Zidane, who has won everything in his short two and a half year stint as head coach.
