Zidane Opens Up About His Decision To Leave Real Madrid

JAKARTA - For the first time, Zinedine Zidane has spoken out after resigning from Real Madrid for two seasons in charge in his second term. In a letter, the French coach denied claims that he was tired of coaching Real Madrid.

He also revealed that the lack of trust from President Florentino Perez and club management was a major factor in his decision to resign.

"I left, but I didn't leave the ship and I wasn't tired of coaching," wrote Zidane, released by Diario AS, Tuesday, June 1.

Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid with sadness The former boss penned an open letter with AS ️ pic.twitter.com/Rdc4nFEkbo

— Goal (@goal) May 31, 2021

"In May 2018 I left because after two and a half years, with so many wins and so many trophies, I felt the team needed something new to stay at the top," he added.

He felt the club no longer gave me the confidence he needed to lead Real Madrid players. Even he thinks the club doesn't offer me support to build anything in the medium to long term.

"I know the demands at a club like Madrid, I know that when you don't win you have to leave. However, a very important thing has been forgotten here... I was born a winner and I am here to win trophies, but beyond that I am human, I have emotions, life and I feel that these things are not appreciated," Zidane said.

The sad thing said Zidane, when reading (claims) in the media, after the defeat, their club will sack me if I don't win the next game.

"It hurts me and the whole team because these messages, intentionally leaked to the media, create negative disturbances with staff, they create doubts and misunderstandings."

Zidane led Real Madrid to the 2017 La Liga title and three Champions League trophies from 2016 to 2018. The former World Cup champion resigned in May 2018.

He then returned in March 2019 and led Real Madrid to another title in 2020, but finished runners-up to Atletico Madrid this season.

Los Blancos have not yet appointed Zidane's successor, but former Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte is said to be the Spanish giants' first choice.