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Zinedine Zidane has called for an impromptu press conference at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground – and you can follow live updates and the latest breaking news with The Independent’s live blog.
The 45-year-old has won three Champions League trophies since taking over from Rafael Benitez in January 2016 as well as a league title in 2016/17. It has been a historically successful stint in charge of the Bernabeu club for the rookie coach, becoming the first manager in Champions League history to defend the trophy, in Cardiff last June, before adding a third consecutive win in Kiev last Saturday night.
Sources at Real Madrid have been kept in the dark over the reason for any press conference but suggested that a press conference for a new contract would likely have taken place in the presidential suite at the Santiago Bernabeu. Club employees are usually made aware of new contracts so that they can prepare content for social media and the website.
Zidane was locked in a meeting with club president Florentino Perez on Thursday morning, sources close to the club told The Independent. Follow all of the latest below.
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Confirmation: A source at Real Madrid has confirmed to The Independent that Zinedine Zidane is stepping down from his role as manager.
Florentino Perez speaks:
"Thanks for coming to everyone. Zinedine Zidane will be speaking shortly but he communicated to me yesterday the unexpected decision that he will leave as coach."
Zidane:
"I spoke to him to explain a little what I was thinking at the moment. First for me, the squad, the club I think it's a bit of a weird moment but an important one that is good for everyone.
"What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology and that's why I took this decision."
Zidane: "I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams.
"But everything changes and that's why I've taken the decision to leave."
Perez: "This was a totally unexpected decision and today is a sad day for me and for everyone who works for this club.
"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' because I know he will return, maybe after a rest."
More from Zidane:
"Like I told the president it could be a 'see you soon' because Madrid has given me everything. I will still be close to the club but this decision is a clear one that might not make sense to some people but it is the moment to make a change, for the players as well.
"After doing three years, it's the right decision. I understand, and what I can do is thank the fans not only as a coach but as a player they have always supported me.
"I have a special love for this fanbase. I thank you all for your support and there are difficult times when there are whistles but that is part of this club. I think at times the players need it, when you have a difficult time you have to front up occasionally. When the fans spur us on, that's important."
And some more Zizou:
"There are really beautiful moments, ending in a spectacular moment winning the third Champions League, but there are hard moments too. I think it's the right time. 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.
"We always want more and more, I couldn't ask for more from these players but now is the time for them to have a different voice in the changing room."
Zidane continues:
"The squad already knows. I've not talked to them all individually but they all know, by message, yes. I spoke with the captains and with Sergio Ramos."
Some more Zidane:
"I'm not thinking about anything. After three years it's my decision, it could be wrong, but after three years I think it's the moment.
"If I can't see clearly how we're going to continue winning, or how I want them, then it's the best time to change. To not continue."
Zidane is asked about his decision again:
"What's coming now, I don't have to talk about it."
Asked how Ramos took it and his future plans, Zidane says:
"I'm not going to coach another team right now. I'm not looking for another team.
"I've sent a message to all the squad and I've spoken to Sergio Ramos. As always as a person and captain, we have lived a lot together, he respects my decision. He wished me luck. He is a leader, a captain and it has been a pleasure to share three more years with him."
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