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Zidane steps down as Real Madrid manager | May 31, 2018
- video

Zinedine Zidane has walked away from Real Madrid, only five days after winning a third consecutive Champions League. The Frenchman announced his decision at the Valdebebas training ground on Thursday afternoon, insisting he and the club needed a change and admitting he was not convinced Real would continue winning if he remained in charge.

“I have taken the decision not continue as coach of Real Madrid next year,” Zidane said. “I spoke to the president to explain what I thought. I think it is the moment, for me and for the squad. I know it is a bit of a strange moment but I think it is the right moment. This is a team that should keep on winning and it needs a change for that. After three years, it needs another discourse, another working methodology, and that’s why I took this decision. There are complicated moments in the season when you ask: ‘Am I still the right person? I don’t forget the hard moments too. There are lovely moments and we ended with a spectacular moment but there are hard moments that make you reflect.”

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“[the players know]. I haven’t spoken directly to them but they know what my message is. I am going to speak to the captains, I already spoke to Ramos. I’m not going to work with another team for the moment. I’m not looking for another team. I sent the message out to the entire squad and they have all received it. I spoke to Sergio to let him know what was going to happen. As captain and a person, I played alongside him and we’ve been through a lot. He respects my decision and he wished me luck. Sergio is a leader, a captain, he has always been phenomenal. I told him it was a pleasure to share another three years with him.”

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“This is my decision after three years. People may think otherwise, but I think this is the right time. If I don’t clearly see us continuing to win… In a season anything can happen, but if I don’t envision things clearly it is better to step down rather than stay on and not do well.

It is a lot more simple than it seems, sometimes you have to know when to stop. I am doing this for the greater good of the team and I think if I stayed it would be hard to win again next year. We’ve seen that in LaLiga and the Copa. There have been great moments, but also many tough moments and I can’t forget those. I want to end this era at Real Madrid on a high. I did that as a player and I’m doing that now. I think this is the time to go out at the top.”

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“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. […] I feel good, this shouldn’t be a sad day. It is not a happy day because saying that I’m leaving is not an easy thing. This is the time to say “see you soon”. I will always be close to this club. I know a lot of people here and my relationship with the club will not change.” [read more]