(Reuters) - Zinedine Zidane brought some success and stability back to a Real Madrid side that was in freefall without him but the Frenchman ultimately proved unwilling to preside over the squad rebuild the club felt it needed. The one marquee signing the club made in Zidane's second spell was Eden Hazard, who has been unable to shine due to a hapless run with injuries. Zidane, meanwhile, always resisted talk of a long career as Real coach, saying in December: "I'm never going to be the Alex Ferguson of Madrid. It came as no real surprise given the various hints he had dropped. "I work my socks off and there comes a point when it's time for a change," he said two weeks ago.

Source: The Star May 27, 2021 13:41 UTC