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Zinedine Zidane: Chelsea transfer offer said to be reason behind shock Real Madrid exit
ZINEDINE ZIDANE has quit Real Madrid - and reports in Spain say a proposed Chelsea deal was a key reason behind his decision to leave.
Zinedine Zidane QUITS as manager of Real Madrid
The Frenchman announced today he will leave Real after two-and-a-half years at the club.
Zidane called an unexpected press conference, where he broke the news of his decision to quit the Spanish giants.
And according to Spanish news outlet Don Balon, a proposed Chelsea swap deal was the final straw for Zidane.
They reckon Real were desperate to sign Blues talisman Eden Hazard, however, Chelsea insisted Karim Benzema was included in the deal.
Zidane wanted Real to go all out for Hazard but he didn’t want to lose Benzema in the process.
Zinedine Zidane has quit Real Madrid - and a proposed Chelsea deal was a key reason behind his decision
Don Balon add that Real president Florentino Perez told Zidane he could have either Hazard or Benzema, which the Frenchman didn’t take well.
Speaking about his decision to quit Real, Zidane said: "I spoke to him [Perez] to explain a little what I was thinking at the moment.
"First for me, the squad, the club I think it's a bit of a weird moment but an important one that is good for everyone.
"What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology and that's why I took this decision.
"I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams.
"But everything changes and that's why I've taken the decision to leave.
"After doing three years, it's the right decision. I understand, and what I can do is thank the fans not only as a coach but as a player they have always supported me.
"I have a special love for this fanbase. I thank you all for your support and there are difficult times when there are whistles but that is part of this club.
"I think at times the players need it, when you have a difficult time you have to front up occasionally. When the fans spur us on, that's important."