XtraTime Web Desk: The football world shocked by the words of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane as he announced his retirement soon after winning the UEFA Champions League for the third time in a row.
He set a trend for leaving his job earlier than he supposes to. Real Madrid had a deal with their boss until 2020 but he left the job one and a half years earlier.
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This Frenchman has won eight trophies out of a possible 10 in his two years in charge but has endured a tough season with his side 16 points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
As recently as March 30, the former Los Blancos coach was repeatedly asked about his future at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but he maintained he wasn’t going anywhere.
“I would like to continue as coach of Real Madrid,” he explained in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Las Palmas.
“I like football, and I like the job I’m doing.
“I know the club I’m at very well, but you know how football can be, if it was entirely up to me then I’ll still be with Real Madrid and I’ll be here as long as possible.”
Within two months the legend changed his mind and decided to retire.
Not only as a coach but also as a player Zidane retired as a player whilst still having a year left on his contract.
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His final match for the club came against Villarreal and the club prepared several tributes to the Frenchman, including a mosaic with his number five being held up by supporters.
Los Blancos even utilised a unique shirt for that match back in May 2006.
It was just 12 days prior to that occasion that the midfielder shocked the world when he announced his retirement from football. He still had a year left on his playing contract and many expected him to see it through, however, he left after making a very private decision.