5 destinations for Zidane as he announces shock Real Madrid exit

Zidane made the shock announcement on Thursday [Photo: Courtesy]

Zinedine Zidane's shock announcement that he is leaving Real Madrid just days after winning his third successive Champions League has stunned the football world.

The Frenchman called time on his spell at the Bernabeu in an emotional press conference in Madrid.

When asked about his future plans, Zidane said: "It can be a ‘see you later’. Madrid has given me everything.

"I will be close to this club all my life. But the decision, for many, doesn’t make sense. But it does to me.

"It is the moment to make a change. I think it is the right decision for everyone."

But where next for the Frenchman?

Here are five possible destinations.

France

Didier Deschamps could move on after the World Cup [Photo: Courtesy]

Doubts have persisted over the France coach despite him being in his role since 2012.

The French reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup before losing to Brazil, but then they missed their chance to taste victory on home soil when they lost the Euro 2016 final to Portugal.

Tipped by many to go far at the World Cup, Deschamps could end up leaving regardless of how they get on.

Chelsea

Could Zidane head to Stamford Bridge instead of Sarri? [Photo: Courtesy]

It is important to remember that Antonio Conte is still at Stamford Bridge, and of course Chelsea do seem to be fairly far down the road with appointing Maurizio Sarri as his potential replacement, but would a sprinkling of Champions League quality tempt Roman Abramovich?

You'd think it would, right?

Juventus

Allegri is another boss who could depart [Photo: Courtesy]

Linked with a move to Arsenal back when they were searching for a boss, Max Allegri is still in position at Juventus but doubts persist over his future - with Real Madrid now a possible option.

If he went, would Zidane be tempted to return to his former club as boss?

Chinese Super League

Fabio Cannavaro is one of the star names in China [Photo: Courtesy]

Maybe a lucrative move to China could be in Zidane's future?

Traditionally it is usually older bosses who head to the Far East, but the likes of Fabio Cannavaro are over there raking in the cash, so maybe Zizou could follow suit?

Nowhere

Time for a rest? [Photo: Courtesy]

When Pep Guardiola left his highly successful role at Barcelona, he took a year out before taking the job at Bayern Munich and basically never looking back.

Perhaps Zidane could do something similar?