Zinedine Zidane drops bombshell
MADRID. — Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says coach Zinedine Zidane’s decision to quit his post was a shock and was sad day for the European champions.
Zidane announced yesterday he was leaving the Spanish giants just days after delivering a third straight Champions League crown.
“This was a totally unexpected decision and today is a sad day for me and for everyone who works for this club,’’ said Perez.
“When he says he’s taken a decision though, we have to accept it. I tried to convince him but I know how it is. He knows he has all our love and support.
“One can’t be prepared for something like this. I remember the first time I went to his house and asked him to coach Real Madrid and he was absolutely convinced he could win things.
“We must thank him for his care and passion for Real Madrid over these years.
“The only thing I want to say is ‘hasta pronto’ (see you soon) because I know he will return, maybe after a rest.
“It is a sad day for me, the fans and the players.
“But he knows I wanted him as a player and as a manager. I wanted him to stay forever and I wanted to convince him to stay. But I know it was his final decision. All I want to do is remind him that this club is his home and family.” Perez visited Zidane on Wednesday. “I went to his house yesterday (Wednesday) to see if he was prepared. He told me that he was convinced he wanted to go.
“I want to thank him for his commitment and passion to Real Madrid. His behaviour has always been an example for all and representative of Real. I don’t want this to be a goodbye but a ‘see you soon’. I have no doubt he will come back soon.”
Zidane insisted the club needed a change despite their continued success in Europe.
“I think the players need a change but I should thank them because at the end of the day it’s them that fight out there and this is a club of very high expectations. — AFP.