Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid for second time as manager
Last updated on .From the section European Football
Manager Zinedine Zidane has resigned from Real Madrid for the second time in his coaching career.
Real failed to win a trophy this season and were pipped to the La Liga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid on a dramatic final day on Saturday.
Real said in a statement that they "must now respect" Zidane's decision.
They thanked Zidane, 48, for his "professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid".
Former France forward Zidane, who played for Real from 2001 to 2006, won three consecutive Champions League titles and a La Liga title in his first period as manager between 2016 and 2018.
He left in May 2018, but returned 10 months later and secured a second La Liga title last season.
"Zidane is one of Real Madrid's great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club," Real said.
"He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid."
Real finished two points behind Atletico in La Liga as they failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2009-10.
They suffered an early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of third division side Alcoyano and lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals.
Earlier this month, Zidane, who had a year left on his contract, denied reports that he had informed his squad he would leave at the end of the season.
His future was a constant topic of discussion in the Spanish press this season, contributing to several spiky exchanges, with Zidane saying he and his players deserved more respect.
He is one of three managers to win the Champions League three times, and his trophy haul at Real also included two Club World Cups, two Uefa Super Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.
Analysis
BBC Sport's Guillem Balague
It has been a very tiring season for everyone but, on top of that, Zidane feels that, even though he had the backing of the squad, he has not always felt the backing of the board, which basically means Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
They have a very fluid relationship but, just before a Champions League game against Borussia Monchengladbach, the club leaked that being knocked out of the competition could mean Zidane being sacked.
Instead, Real beat Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico Madrid, so the threat disappeared. But Zidane didn't forget.
The club was not desperate to change his mind as Zidane has been going back to his trusted players instead of starting the transition the club wanted him to do.
I am convinced Real have got a replacement already.
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Carlo Ancelotti would like to have a word.
Did he headbutt anyone on his way out?
The good times are here for The Baggies!
He might be able to knock Neymar down a peg or two which would be great for the team though
The ITV show Benidorm is being revived and he has been asked to join the cast.
Man Utd for Zidane? Problem is, he doesn't like losing.
Apparently it was what he told his Careers Advisor when he was at school.
His time has come.
Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti would like a word about that statement
Will it become Zinedine Zidane Derby County........
Ya know what I mean !