Zinedine Zidane press conference: live online
And that’s it. Thanks for joining us. Now time to process what just happened in the last hour!
Is it anything to do with Cristiano Ronaldo? “No”
When? “I’m not going to say. I’m going to keep that to myself.”
When did you say now is the time to leave? “I’ve tried to work hard, be honest, defend the club’s values. I’ve always had the respect of my players and without that it’s impossible to achieve things. My decision is my decision. It has nothing to do with the players but after three years, it’s difficult to maintain such high standards. I’m a natural born winner and I love winning. I don’t like losing. If I feel like I am not going to win then a change is needed. The decision wasn’t that I’m going to change this player or that player. I said I’m going to leave.”
“We’ve talked about strengthening the squad and signings but that’s not why I leaving. If you want to manage, this is part of your job. I think a change is needed,” Zidane says.
Zidane says his favourite memory is winning the league last year and his worst the loss to Leganes in the Copa del Rey.
“My fondest memory was as a player when I signed for Real Madrid.”
“If I was the manager here next season, it would have been tough for us to win trophies. You saw in the Copa this season and I can’t forget out domestic campaign that easily here.”
“There are stages, periods you go through, stages. And you need to know when to stop. I think it’s the right decision for the team.”
“I’m not tired of managing. I’ve been managing for three years but I think for me, the time to leave the club is now.”
Zidane has said he was going to sign a new contract but now he is walking. What has changed, he is asked. “Nothing. The demans can wear you down. Maybe, back then on that day, I thought that. But later, in my head there was a different thing and my mind changed. I’ve always said that anything can happen at this club and my time has come to an end.”
Zidane said he has spoken to Ramos and he says “I played alongside Sergio Ramos and he respects my decision.”
Asked if it’s the end of a cycle. “A change is needed. I’m not going to get involved in these things,” he says. “I’m not here to talk about the future of this team.”
More questions being asked but message is the same. Zidane is exhausted and feels that the club need a change.
I can’t get over Perez beside Zidane. He looks like he is still processing everything. This happened so quickly.
How can I ask more from the players,” he says. He says again that a new message is needed.
“Big players need a change,” he says. He thanks them as they are the ones out there playing and says it is such a demanding club.
Zidane thanks everyone again.
We’ve had some tough times. It’s been difficult at times. But sometimes, you need that from fans. Sometimes, the players need to see that.
Zidane thanks the fans again.
Question from the press the same as plenty of us would. How can you leave now? “Of course, I could return, I’ll always be near to this club as it’s close to my heart. I think many won’t understand but I know it’s the right time. Time for a change. And for the players too.”
Perez thanks Zidane for everything that he has brought to the club and defended the club’s values. This is not a goodbye but a see you later, says Perez.
“Nobody can be ready or prepared to get news like this,” Perez says. He is in shock!
Perez says he was in shock when he found out. Says he wanted to convince him but there was no chance of changing his mind!
Perez says that “after winning the Champions League, I wasn’t expecting this. He knows I loved him more than any other player or manager and I’ve always wanted him by his side.”
Zidane says he won’t be here next season.
“After three years, a change is needed. Something different, a different message.”
“I know it’s a strange moment for everyone involed, but I think it’s the right decision”
He says this team needs to keep winning and they need a change to ensure that.
Zidane says he has “taken the decision not to continue next year”
Zidane and Perez are out for the press conference.
In a world where we are all constantly connected and news and rumours are ride! 24-hour news cycle and Zidane catches everyone off guard. Incredible scenes.
Zidane is his own man.
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