Zinedine Zidane has decided to go out on top by stepping down as Real Madrid head coach after winning a third straight Champions League,
The reaction to the Frenchman's sudden announcement was understandably significant, with his former club among the very first to offer their thanks.
Gracias Zidane. pic.twitter.com/Npo3bFN0Mb
— #CHAMP13NS 🇺🇸🇬🇧 (@realmadriden) May 31, 2018
UEFA offered a timely recap of Zidane's dauntingly imperious record at Los Blancos.
Zidane at Madrid 😍
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2018
(player & coach combined)
UEFA Champions League
🏆🏆🏆🏆
UEFA Super Cup
🏆🏆🏆
Club World Cup
🏆🏆
Spanish Super Cup
🏆🏆🏆
Liga
🏆🏆
Intercontinental Cup
🏆#UCL #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/kry1q2SquE
While Opta were on hand with yet another outstanding statistic that encapsulated Zidane's brief but silverware-speckled tenure at the Bernabeu.
8 - Zinedize Zidane won all the finals he has played as a @realmadriden manager. Adieu. pic.twitter.com/kD2FQwMbot
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 31, 2018
Florentino Perez couldn't hold back the emotional send-off, labelling Zidane both his favourite player and his favourite coach having employed the Frenchman as both.
Florentino Pérez: "He knows I loved him more than any other player or coach."
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2018
Was Zidane your favourite-ever @realmadrid boss? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZRvkVZMpSQ
Several of Zidane's victorious charges took the time to salute their departing leader, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Toni Kroos kicking things off...
As a player and coach you decided to say goodbye at the top. Thank you for two and a half incredible years. Your legacy will never be erased, one of the most successful chapters in the history of our beloved @realmadrid pic.twitter.com/dO6bw74aA3
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) May 31, 2018
Gracias Mister! It's been a pleasure!🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/99VzaBxUoV
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) May 31, 2018
Mister Zizou. He aprendido muchísimo a tu lado!
— Marcelotwelve (@MarceloM12) May 31, 2018
He disfrutado como un niño a cada entrenamiento, a cada consejo!
Eres muy especial para mi!
Has hecho historia con tu trabajo, tu dedicación, pasión y sobretodo con tu humildad!
Gracias Mister #marchelin 😭 pic.twitter.com/MvWCwjYSqR
With one of the biggest jobs in world football suddenly up for grabs, thoughts naturally turned to the candidates, with one name looming large above all others.
Sam Allardyce, 2010: "I'm not suited to Bolton or Blackburn, I would be more suited to Internazionale or Real Madrid." Cometh the hour, cometh the Sam...
— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) May 31, 2018
Alternative suitors for the Real vacancy were also considered, but then quickly rejected out of hand.
Real Madrid 1 - 2 Huesca
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) May 31, 2018
"Was it a mistake to sell Sergio Ramos before we got the James Tomkins deal over the line? Maybe" pic.twitter.com/ioPNarYuc1
In reality, a certain recently-unemployed elder statesman of the managerial scene has quickly been inserted as favourite to step into Zidane's shoes.
Indeed, prescient quotes have even been found that seem to lend the link a bit more credence.
Arsene Wenger to Real Madrid? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vduYSGcKUc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 31, 2018
Real have reportedly touted Arsene Wenger on several occasions in the past, not least in 2009 when president Perez said he "liked" the then-Arsenal boss and had "talked to him a lot."
Could it be? Could it really happen? Wenger taking one last bash at glory with Real Madrid.
Can you just imagine the scenes in North London!