Zinedine Zidane has stepped down as manager of Real Madrid.

The 45-year-old led Real to their third successive Champions League triumph under his stewardship by masterminding victory over Liverpool in Kiev on Saturday.

But speculation has been rife about Zidane’s long-term future at the Bernabeu and the Frenchman announced at a press conference on Thursday afternoon that he would be leaving the club.

Appearing alongside Real president Florentino Perez, World Cup winner Zidane said: “I have taken the decision to not continue going into the next season.

“For me and for everybody, I think the moment to change has arrived. It was not an easy decision.

“I will be close to this club for the rest of my life. I want to thank the fans, who always supported me both as a coach and a player.

“There were tough moments during the season and although I was sometimes whistled at, I want to thank the fans.

“This is a beautiful moment as we have just won a third straight Champions League and I have now reflected and made this decision. Even the players need this change, I must thank them too.”

Pere added: “This was a totally unexpected decision, Zidane informed me of his choice yesterday. I thank him for the work he has done.”

Zidane, the former Real, Juventus and Bordeaux midfielder, was understood to be under contract in Madrid until 2020.