Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has led the tributes being paid to Zinedine Zidane after the French coach announced he would leave his role in charge of the club. Zidane has enjoyed incredible success in his two-and-a-half seasons at the Bernabeu, becoming the first manager to successfully defend the Champions League in the modern era and winning it three times back-to-back total. Real also won a La Liga title under his stewardship, while Ronaldo claimed successive Ballon d’Or awards during Zidane’s trophy-laden reign.
Zidane’s decision shocked much of the football world, with president Florentino Perez only informed yesterday, and Ronaldo was keen to thank his boss for their time together. Alongside a picture of himself with Zidane, Ronaldo posted a message on Instagram saying: ‘I only feel proud to have been your player. Mister, thank you so much.’
Zidane – who only spoke to captain Sergio Ramos about his decision prior to Thursday’s press conference – has been inundated with messages from his squad since, not least the skipper.