Zinedine Zidane resigns as Real Madrid coach

Football - Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg - Manchester City v Real Madrid - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - August 7, 2020. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane before the match. [REUTERS/Peter Powell]

Zinedine Zidane has left Real Madrid coach with immediate effect five days after his team were pipped to the La Liga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

The Frenchman, who led Real to two league titles and three Champions League triumphs in two spells as coach since 2016, leaves the club after their first trophy-less season since 2009-10.

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

"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.

"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.

"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," Real Madrid said in a statement.