Spanish La Liga: Zidane Leaves Real Madrid

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Europe

01:52

Yesterday the football world was shocked by the news of Zinedine Zidane deciding to step down as Real Madrid coach just five days after winning a third consecutive Champions League title. The Frenchman said the club needs a different voice which leaves Los Blancos searching for their fourth boss in five years. Owen Fairclough reports from Madrid.

Their ecstasy is now agony days ago Real Madrid fans won a third back-to-back European Champions League trophy. Now Zinedine Zidane - the coach who made it happen - is off.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE QUITS AS REAL MADRID COACH "I have this club in my heart and the period that ends, it ended well when I was a player and it is going to end well now that I am coach."

Fans are stunned. NO SUPER

"I had no idea, you just informed me now, and I think it's dreadful that he's leaving."

"I'm pretty sorry because he's given a lot for the Real Madrid, but I think he's going at a good time. Better he leaves now than when we go wrong and he goes out the back door."

It seems inconceivable Real would fire arguably the greatest-ever player-turned- manager. But being eclipsed by arch-rivals Barcelona in Spain's domestic league last season had fueled reports of his demise.

Zizou - as he's affectionately known - wasn't sure he could bring more glory for the most successful football club in history. Winning three back-to-back European Cups, twice, has set a new standard.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE OUTGOING REAL MADRID COACH "What I want is that they continue winning, and I honestly think that it would have perhaps been difficult."

It's little consolation for grieving fans, but at least Zidane says he has no intention of coaching another team. Owen Fairclough, CGTN.