Zinedine Zidane is leaving Real Madrid but he does not intend to take over at another club in the immediate future.
The 45-year-old made the unexpected announcement on Thursday that he will be stepping down as head coach at the Santiago Bernabeu, just five days after winning a third Champions League in a row.
The former French star won nine major trophies in less than three years in charge of the club and has already been tipped as a possible replacement for Didier Deschamps after Franceโs World Cup campaign.
However, Zidane intends to take a break from the dugout before planning his next move.
โIโm not going to manage another side now,โ he told a news conference. โIโm not looking for another team.โ
Club president Florentino Perez described Zidaneโs decision as a shock, saying he only found out when he spoke to him at his home on Wednesday.
Zidane also confirmed the only player he spoke to personally to confirm his plans was club captain Sergio Ramos.
โAll the squad were told at the same time,โ he said. โI didnโt speak to them personally, they found out through a message.
โI spoke to Sergio Ramos, heโs the captain, I played alongside him and he respects my decision.โ