Real Madrid coach Zidane steps down

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Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said Thursday he was leaving the Spanish giants as Real Madrid boss, less than a week after winning the Champions League for the third year in a row.

"I know it is a strange moment for everyone involved," said Zidane. "But it had to be done for everybody."

He leaves as one of the club's most successful managers having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles, two Fifa Club World Cups and one La Liga title.

He claimed that the club needs "a different voice."

"I have taken the decision to not continue next year as Real Madrid coach," he said at a press conference.

"This is the right moment for everyone, it might seem a bit strange, but it had to be done for the good of everyone, the players, the club, and myself. This team must keep winning, and it needs a change after three years, another voice, another method of working."

Shock timing

Zidane, 45, took over after Rafael Benitez was sacked and was in charge for 149 games. He steered Real to 104 wins and 29 draws, had 69.8 percent win rate, and won nine trophies.

In February, the 45-year-old admitted he would walk away if he felt "there is nothing more to give."

However, the timing of his announcement still came as a shock just days after Real beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final.

Zidane said he would be taking a break after leaving Real Madrid and would not be interested in taking a new role.

"I'm not going to coach next season. I'm not looking for another team."

"This is a legendary club. This is a club that has won 13 European Cups so I'm happy to be part of this history," he added.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been installed as the early favorite to succeed Zidane.