Zinedine Zidane ‘decides to leave’ Real Madrid with immediate effect as former UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov calls for departing Inter boss Antonio Conte to be his replacement

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has reportedly chosen to leave the Bernabeu with immediate effect.

The club legend has been rumoured to be heading for the exit door in recent weeks, and it’s claimed that his decision is now made.

AFP

Zidane won one league title and three Champions Leagues during his first stint as manager, then added a further league title in his second stint

According to Fabrizio Romano, Zidane will depart straight away and not take charge next season.

It’s understood that he told players and staff about his decision tonight with a conversation with Florentino Perez and officially announcement soon to follow.

He previously managed the club between 2016-2018, before returning for his current stint which has spanned 2019-2021.

The news comes at the end of a trophyless season for Real.

City rivals Atletico Madrid pipped them to the league title and they were knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage by Chelsea.

Getty

Conte’s Inter finished 12 points clear of second-place AC Milan

Earlier today, it was announced that Antonio Conte has departed Inter Milan by mutual consent on the back of a Serie A title win.

It is understood Conte fell out with president Steven Zhang and Chinese owners Suning over suggestions Inter need to slash their wage bill by up to 20 per cent and raise £69million in player sales.

He has instantly been linked with the Madrid job and has one famous backer to begin with.

Former UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov, who previously called Real his ‘dream club’, left a comment on an Instagram post about Zidane’s departure, simply stating: “Conte.”

Khabib made his feelings clear on social media, replying to a post about Madrid’s managerial vacancy

Instagram / @cristiano

The ‘Eagle’ received a Madrid shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018

Speaking about his love of the sport and dream for a footballing career, Khabib previously told Match TV: “To play football on a professional level is a childhood dream.

“Of course, I have such a wish. Football is the king of sports after all…

“Spartak Moscow of course are great, but that’s domestic level. My dream club is Real Madrid.

“In fact, the first match I remember watching the full 90 minutes, was Real vs Juventus in 1998 [Champions League final]. I remember Mijatovic scored from an offside position, but we still won.”

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