Zinedine Zidane has decided to leave Real Madrid with immediate effect, bringing to an end his second stint as manager at the Spanish club. Zidane’s exit follows a disappointing season for the club, who lost out to rivals Atlético Madrid in a title race that went to the final day. Real Madrid were also knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semi-finals, and were one of the key players behind the failed Super League breakaway. The Frenchman returned to Real Madrid in March 2019, replacing Santiago Solari, and won his second La Liga title in the Covid-affected 2019-20 season. In his first stint at the club from January 2016 to May 2018, Zidane won three Champions League titles and the 2016-17 Spanish league. Zidane has told his players and coaching staff that he is leaving, and intends to inform the club president, Florentino Perez, of his decision in the coming hours. Real Madrid are yet to make an official announcement on Zidane’s future.