Zinedine Zidane has quit as head coach of Real Madrid, just days after claiming his record breaking third Champions League title.

The French legend, who had a glittering playing career with the Spanish giants, has been superb at the helm – which includes his three successive European titles, something nobody has achieved in the Champions League era.

Zidane won nine trophies as Real Madrid boss and incredibly lost just 16 times in 149 games.

But now he has decided the time is right to move on, and explained: “The team needs to continue winning and needs a change.

“I’m not thinking about anything. After three years it’s my decision, it could be wrong, but after three years I think it’s the moment.

“If I can’t see clearly how we’re going to continue winning, or how I want them, then it’s the best time to change. To not continue.

“The squad already knows. I’ve not talked to them all individually but they all know, by message, yes. I spoke with the captains and with Sergio Ramos.

“There are really beautiful moments, ending in a spectacular moment winning the third Champions League, but there are hard moments too. I think it’s the right time.

“I think the players need a change but I should thank them because at the end of the day it’s them that fight out there and this is a club of very high expectations.

“We always want more and more, I couldn’t ask for more from these players but now is the time for them to have a different voice in the changing room.”

Zidane, who is already being linked with other jobs, insists he is not looking to get back into football straightaway.

“I’m not going to coach another team right now. I’m not looking for another team.”

President Florentino Perez is left with a huge job of filling the void left by Zidane.

Bookmakers have already opened markets on potential successors and former Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger is an early favourite.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “That’d be one way of shoving two fingers up at the Arsenal Fan TV lads -ditching the Gunners for the European champions.

“We’ve seen big money for Big Weng to head to Spain, although I’m not sure he’ll need his big jacket out there.”