Zinedine Zidane is no longer Real Madrid manager
After guiding the Spanish club to three European Cups on the spin, Zidane confirmed in a press conference on Thursday that he’d be stepping down.
It has been a quite incredible two and a half year stint for Real, who are reported to be looking at Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino as a possible replacement for the 45-year-old.
With news of Zidane’s departure made public, many of the Real players took to social media to thank him for an unforgettable spell in charge.
There was this from Cristiano Ronaldo, who spoke of his pride at playing for Zidane…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjcVfOHFT32/?hl=en&taken-by=cristiano
A sentiment echoed by Luka Modric…
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjci8fkFuDm/?hl=en&taken-by=lukamodric10
And Toni Kroos…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjcM1JmHOmA/?hl=en&taken-by=toni.kr8s
In fact, nearly every member of the Real squad posted their well wishes to Zidane after he announced he’d be stepping down.
Nearly every member.
Gareth Bale, it was noted, did not.
The Welshman was named on the bench for Zidane’s final game in charge, the Champions League final against Liverpool. Entering the action in the second half, his two goals in Kiev proved crucial.
Despite his starring role, Bale acknowledged shortly after full-time that he’d have to consider his future if he wasn’t guaranteed a place in the Real team more regularly.
In the days that have followed, Bale has been strongly linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich said to be possible destinations. Some reports have gone as far as claiming his relationship with Zidane has broken down. However, since Thursday’s developments, further reports have claimed Bale may now stay put in the Spanish capital.
At the time of writing, Bale still hadn’t acknowledged Zidane’s departure. He did, however, at least prove he still had internet connection by using Twitter to congratulate teammate Lucas Vasquez and his partner on the birth of their son, Lucas.
