Real Madrid President Perez ‘Shocked’ By Zidane Exit
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez has expressed shock over Zinedine Zidane’s decision to quit as manager.
Zidane on Thursday announced he will step down as Real’s manager, five days after becoming the first coach to win the Champions League in three consecutive seasons.
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Zidane revealed the news of his departure from Santiago Bernabéu at a hastily convened press conference at Valdebebas on Thursday.
He told Perez he would be leaving on Wednesday before informing Captain Sergio Ramos.
“After three years, a change is needed. Something different, a different message,” the 45-year-old told the media.
Perez said Zidane’s decision was completely unexpected.
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“After winning the Champions League, I wasn’t expecting this. He knows I loved him more than any other player or manager and I’ve always wanted him by his side,” he said.
“Nobody can be ready or prepared to get news like this,” Pérez said he was in shock after Zidane told him about his decision.
“It is a sad day for me and will be for the fans, the players and everyone at the club.”
In January this year, Zidane confirmed he signed a contract extension at Real to keep him at the club until 2020 but said “it does not mean anything”.
Real finished only third in La Liga, 17 points behind champions Barcelona and lost in the domestic cup’s quarter-finals to Leganés.
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The 45-year-old Frenchman was appointed as head coach of Real’s first team in January 2016 and despite his European success has come under pressure for winning only one La Liga title during his two and a half years in charge.
He oversaw 149 games as manager of Real Madrid with 105 wins, 28 draws, 16 losses had 69.8% win rate, and won nine trophies.
He guided his side to one La Liga title, two UEFA Super Cup, three Champions League, one Spanish Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.
See reactions from across the world of football after Zidane’s shock announcement.
As a player and coach you decided to say goodbye at the top. Thank you for two and a half incredible years. Your legacy will never be erased, one of the most successful chapters in the history of our beloved @realmadrid pic.twitter.com/dO6bw74aA3
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) May 31, 2018
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Gracias Mister! It’s been a pleasure!?? pic.twitter.com/99VzaBxUoV
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) May 31, 2018
Borja Mayoral on IG: "The word THANKS is too small to show you my gratitude. I can never thank you enough for all your trust in me & the opportunity you have given me to fulfill the great dream of a football player. It has been a privilege to learn every day from you." (1/2) pic.twitter.com/mjeiZZWfmB
— El Madridismo (@ElMadridismo93) May 31, 2018
Gracias Zidane. pic.twitter.com/LeKwQm54td
— #CHAMP13NS ?⚽️ (@realmadrid) May 31, 2018
THE ONLY MANAGER TO WIN THREE (3) CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CROWN CONSECUTIVELY!!!
FAREWELL from Madrid KING ZIDANE, pls come to Chelsea? pic.twitter.com/sq6et2mw9o
— DaT AkWa IbOm Gee??? (@ClintonViceB) May 31, 2018
Zidane: "It has nothing to do with the players but after three years, it's difficult to maintain such high standards. I'm a natural born winner and I love winning. I don't like losing. If I feel like I am not going to win then a change is needed. "
— M•A•J¹³ (@Ultra_Suristic) May 31, 2018
Real Madrid fans when they see Zinedine Zidane has resigned and Arsene Wenger to Real Madrid is now trending… pic.twitter.com/KUNkgok6rg
— ? DaddyMo PhD CEng ? (@officialdaddymo) May 31, 2018
That shock face from Perez. Oh my Zidane! pic.twitter.com/jZUiMRzOCU
— Ebuka Akara (@ebuka_akara) May 31, 2018
Zidane just resigned and Wenger to Madrid is already trending.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? ? pic.twitter.com/NIjlXDPiDL
— Madeleine (Her XLNC)?♀️?? (@badgalmaddie_) May 31, 2018
So Zinedine Zidane has stepped down from his position as Real Madrid coach ??? who will be replacing him ? pic.twitter.com/9kM10GRw8i
— Faith Mathapelo Nonyane (@Faith_Nonyane) May 31, 2018
