Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, La Liga
After weeks of speculation, Los Blancos have finally confirmed the departure of the French tactician.

As the saying goes, all great things must come to an end. This couldn't be any more true for Zinedine Zidane's reign at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos announcing the Frenchman's departure on Thursday morning.

The Merengues manager has long been linked with an exit, with the Spanish giants now confirming that the 48-year-old has stepped down from his job at the Santiago Bernabeu. This move comes after a disappointing trophyless campaign for the Liga heavyweights, with Real Madrid going an entire season without winning silverware for the first time since 2010.

"Real Madrid C. F. announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to bring an end to his current spell as head coach of our club," the official statement read.

"We must now respect his decision and express our gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid."

This brings an end to Zizou's second spell at the club, having initially taken over between 2016 and 2018. His first stint saw him lift three consecutive UEFA Champions League campaigns, a feat no manager has managed before, while winning a league title, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Clubs.

The Frenchman returned in 2019 after Real Madrid underwent two difficult spells under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, leading them to another La Liga crown last season. However, this term, Benzema and Co. crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the semi-finals, losing to Chelsea, and finished two points behind Spanish champions Atletico in the Primera Division race. Then there was the embarrassing Copa del Rey defeat to Alcoyano, but the less said about that, the better.

"Zidane is one of Real Madrid's great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club," the club's tribute read.

"He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid."

The admiration Zidane boasts at the club comes as a shock to nobody. Having enjoyed a tremendous playing career at the Bernabeu, the 1998 World Cup winner went on to coach the European giants, averaging a trophy every 24 games throughout his time in the dugout. 

However, an exit has been on the horizon for quite some time. In fact, according to Marca, his departure has been "a few months in the making". A move to Juventus, another of Zidane's former clubs, appeared the likely outcome, but with Allegri now being tipped to replace Pirlo at the Allianz Stadium, it remains uncertain where the Frenchman will go next. As for the Bernabeu job, Allegri, Low, Conte, and Raul are the candidates.