Zinedine Zidane has shocked the football world by resigning as Real Madrid coach just days after winning a third consecutive Champions League with the La Liga giants.

At a news conference scheduled at short notice on Thursday, the 45-year-old confirmed he would step down following Saturday's 3-1 victory over Liverpool in Kiev saw him become the first coach ever to lift the European Cup three years in a row.

Club president Florentino Perez, opening the news conference, said: "It is a sad day, for me, for the club, the players, everyone at this club. It is an unexpected decision -- I loved him as a player, and coach, and wanted him always at my side. But when he takes a decision the only thing we can do is respect it.

"I would have liked to convince him, but I know how he is, so the only thing I can do is offer my respect and acknowledgement, and tell him he will always be welcome here at his home.

"This is 'until soon' as I have no doubt that you will be back. Although if you need a rest, we understand that."

http://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid/story/3514079/zinedine-zidane-leaves-real-madrid-after-third-champions-league-title