Hope for Bale as ZZ quits

and admitted at the weekend he could be off after scoring twice in Real’s 3-1 win over Liverpool.

Real president Florentino Perez said yesterday that Zidane’s announcement was “totally unexpected”.

“I have taken the decision not to continue as coach of Real Madrid next year,” said Zidane.

“I think it is the moment, for me and for the squad. I know it is a bit of a strange moment but I think it is the right moment.

“This is a team that should keep on winning and it needs a change for that. After three years, it needs another discourse, another working methodology, and that’s why I took this decision.

“There are complicated moments in the season and hard moments too.

“There are lovely moments and we ended with a spectacular moment but there are hard moments that make you reflect.” “It’s the moment to go. “I also think the players need a change. They’re the ones who fight on the pitch.

“It’s not easy for them. It’s a demanding club, a club with a huge history.

“We always want more and there is a moment when you think, ‘What more can I ask from my players?’

“I want to win and if I don’t see clearly that we’re going to keep on winning, then it is best to change.”

Zidane won nine trophies in his two-and-a-half years in charge, including a hat-trick of consecutive Champions Leagues.