The world of football has reacted today as one of Real Madrid’s most famous sons announces his unexpected departure from the Bernabeu hot seat after an unprecedented era of success.
Just days after winning the UEFA Champions League for the third successive season, Zidane announced at a press conference in Madrid on Thursday that he is standing down as the Los Blancos boss.
READ MORE: 'The moment to change has arrived': Zidane steps down as Real Madrid manager
The Frenchman’s tenure in Madrid will be remembered for a record-breaking series of victories on the European stage, as he leaves the club as the most successful manager in Champions League history. Zidane’s three successive UCL trophies, as well as nine titles in total, means that his status as a Real Madrid great is assured.
Several of the Frenchman’s now former players in the Spanish capital, as well as a host of figures throughout the game, have paid tribute to Zidane following the unexpected conclusion to his reign of success in Madrid.
“I'm just proud of being your player,” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. “Mister, thanks for so much.”
“As a player and a coach you decided to say goodbye at the top,” club captain Sergio Ramos reflected on Twitter.
“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.”
Isco also paid tribute to his former boss, saying: “I have been honored to work with you, to learn every day and to win together because you have managed to make this team something historic... I wish you the best.”
Brazilian enforcer Casemiro said that it was a “privilege to have my idol as a coach,” while Lucas Vasquez wrote: “It's been a real pleasure playing your orders, mister. Legend as a player, and now you're also a coach. It has been an honor to learn and win by your side. I wish you the best. Thank you and see you soon.”
Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa stated that Zidane will be remembered as one of the finest coaches in the club’s history.
“How difficult it is to say goodbye to Real Madrid. No one in the history of this club has ever been able to do better than him,” Arbeloa wrote.