Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that he will step down as coach of Real Madrid. This comes just five days after he won the Champions League with Madrid for a third season in a row.
Zidane's replacement has not been announced yet.
Real had called a surprise press conference at noon where Zidane was joined by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. "I've taken the decision to not continue next year as Real Madrid coach," Zidane said. "I know it's a strange moment, but I think it's the best for all. This team needs a change after three years."
Zidane had taken over as coach of Madrid in January 2016. Besides the three Champions League titles, Zidane had also won the La Liga title in 2017 nad the FIFA Club World Cup twice. In total, Zidane won nine trophies with Real Madrid.
Madrid had finished second in the domestic league this season, but had rallied to come in the Champions League and be the first team since Bayern Munich in 1976 to win it thrice in a row.
Zidane's shock resignation will be the subject of much debate over the next few days.