Zinedine Zidane stepped down as head coach of Real Madrid just five days after winning the Champions League title for three straight wins.

It came as a shock when Zidane called for a press conference at Valdebebas, Real Madrid’s training center.

The Frenchman, who arrived at Real Madrid’s doorstep to rescue the team in January 2016, led the Spanish club to nine league titles. In the press conference, he insisted that the club needed a change.

Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, expressed that the coach’s decision was “totally unexpected” and that it was a “sad day”. Asked when Zidane made the decision, he was tight-lipped on that part.

The former Real manager conveyed his decision to Pérez on Wednesday and the following morning, the press conference was held. It was reported that Zidane informed players of his decision via WhatsApp. He had already spoken with Real captain Sergio Ramos and disclosed he’s not planning on managing another club at the moment.

Zidane announced in the press conference, “I have taken the decision not continue as coach of Real Madrid next year. I spoke to the president to explain what I thought. I think it is the moment, for me and for the squad. I know it is a bit of a strange moment but I think it is the right moment. This is a team that should keep on winning and it needs a change for that. After three years, it needs another discourse, another working methodology, and that’s why I took this decision.”

The former manager had been a good player during his days and his coaching days were better. Since taking the job as head coach two years ago, Real Madrid collected 104 wins, 29 draws, and just 16 losses.

Nothing has been said about Zidane’s replacement, but Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a top favorite.