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Added on the 23/05/2023 17:11:18 - Copyright : AFP EN
Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid training ground in his car after his last training as coach of Los Merengues. IMAGES
Madrid, May 27 (EFE).- Zinedine Zidane has decided to step down as Real Madrid coach, the club confirmed on Thursday.In a brief statement, Real said Zidane is “one of the great icons of the club.”“We must now respect his decision and express our gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid,” the statement said.Zidane, who won the Champions League for Real as a player in 2002, returned to manage the club in 2015 after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.He then led Real to three more Champions League victories in four years, presiding over one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, before stepping down at the end of the 2018 season.He returned to manage the team less than a year later after two unsuccessful appointments of Julen Lopetegui and caretaker Santiago Solari, before leading an ageing and depleted squad to an unlikely LaLiga triumph in 2020.While this season ended without a trophy, Zidane still managed to lead the team to a second place finish and were within minutes of retaining the league title, but were beaten by Atletico Madrid by just two points on the final day of the season.“His legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club,” the statement 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.” EFE ARCHIVE
Madrid, Dec 6 (EFE).- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane on Friday ruled out implementing a decision taken by the Welsh national team that would forbid Gareth Bale from playing golf.Zidane said he would not "prevent" Bale from doing anything and his players are old enough to know what they should be doing. SOUNDBITES OF REAL MADRID COACH ZINEDINE ZIDANE:"As Real Madrid coach I am not going to prevent Gareth or any other player. rom doing anything. They (the players) are old (enough) and they know what they have to do.Medical services here are one of the best. I think the doctors and physios are close to the players.We are all in the same boat. They (doctors and physios) are not happy with injuries. I'm convinced our team is the best and the players also know it."
Zinedine Zidane said he was "very happy to come back to work in this big club, and with this team especially", as he made a sensational return as coach of Real Madrid after Santiago Solari's sacking was finally confirmed on Monday. SOUNDBITE
Images show Real Madrid's Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr leaving court after giving evidence in connection with racist insults he suffered during a Spanish championship match in May. IMAGES
Images show Real Madrid's Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr arriving at court to give evidence in connection with racist insults he suffered during a Spanish championship match in May. IMAGES