Social media went into meltdown after Zinedine Zidane‘s shock announcement that he was resigning from his post as Real Madrid manager.
Although he was only in the role for two-and-a-half years, he had a deep influence on every member of his squad, not least because he led them to unprecedented success. A historic three straight Champions League titles, the league-and-European double last season which Real Madrid hadn’t done for 59 years, and nine trophies in all – it’s safe to say the Frenchman led his squad to heights beyond their wildest dreams.
Madrid’s players were quick to heap praise on the outgoing club legend.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has benefitted from Zidane’s management arguably more than anyone else, said: “I’m proud to have been your player. Thanks for everything.”
Gracias por todo lo que has hecho por mi y por el equipo. Ha sido un honor poder ganar contigo y aprender de ti durante estas dos temporadas. Te deseo lo mejor Míster. pic.twitter.com/anUoYMKGWU
— Marco Asensio (@marcoasensio10) May 31, 2018
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the team,” said Marco Asensio, one of the exciting young talents whose career has been given a kick-start by Zidane. “It has been an honour to be able to win with you and learn from you during these two seasons. I wish you the best, Mister.”
No tengo palabras para agradecerte todo lo que has hecho por este vestuario, por el Real Madrid y por el madridismo. Ha sido un orgullo y un privilegio tener como entrenador a mi ídolo. Eterno Zizou. pic.twitter.com/wjK45SMQz7
— Casemiro (@Casemiro) May 31, 2018
Casemiro, who has developed into one of the world’s best midfielders under Zidane’s tutelage, said: “I have no words to thank you for everything you’ve done for this shirt, for Real Madrid and Madrid fans. It has been a pride and privilege to have my idol as my coach. Eternal Zizou.”
Lucas Vazquez has been among Zidane’s favoured players at Madrid, going from utility player to vital young star, and duly paid tribute to his manager.
“It’s been a real pleasure playing under your, mister. Legend as a player, and now also as a coach. It has been an honor to learn and win by your side. I wish you the best. Thank you and see you soon,” his message reads.
Gracias Mister! It’s been a pleasure!🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/99VzaBxUoV
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) May 31, 2018
#Zidane Simplemente darte las gracias por estos 2 años y medio como nuestro entrenador, has sido un profesional increíble al igual que todo tu staff.
— Dani Carvajal Ramos (@DaniCarvajal92) May 31, 2018
He aprendido muchísimo como jugador y persona a tus órdenes, te deseo lo mejor y de nuevo #GraciasZidane #GraciasZizou pic.twitter.com/5wlLGmn5G0
The sentiments were the same throughout the squad. Dani Carvajal, who has become one of Europe’s premier right-backs, had this to say: “Just to thank you for these 2 and a half years as our coach, you have been an amazing professional like all your staff. I have learned a lot as player and person at your command, I wish you the best.”
Isco, whose explosive talent has been harnessed to perfection by Zidane, despite their occasional differences, gave his manager a glowing tribute.
“It has been an honor to work with you, learn every day and win all together because you managed to make this team something historical. I wish you the best.”
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
“Mr. Zizou. I learned a lot by your side! I have enjoyed every workout, every bit of advice, like a child!” left-back Marcelo said. “You’re very special to me! You have made history with your work, your dedication, passion and especially with your humility! Thank you Mister.”
Gracias mister por todo lo que me has hecho vivir estos 2 años y medio. Tu entrega por tus jugadores y el club siempre fue lo mas importante para ti, y por eso eres un referente para todos. GraZZias por todo y suerte en el futuro!! pic.twitter.com/ZoMlBOw13n
— Nacho Fernández (@nachofi1990) May 31, 2018
Nacho, Madrid’s do-everything defender, had a special way of paying homage to Zidane, inserting his initials into “gracias” while thanking the Frenchman.
“Thank you mister for all that you have made me live these 2 and a half years. Your delivery for your players and the club was always the most important thing for you, and that’s why you’re a benchmark for everyone. GraZZias for everything and luck in the future!”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s collection of youngsters, all of whom have earned Zidane’s patience and trust at this fledgling state of their careers, all showed their appreciation for their manager, with Achraf Hakimi, Theo Hernandez, Dani Ceballos, Borja Mayoral, and Marcos Llorente all sending out goodwill messages.
Eternamente agradecido por tu confianza, mister y por ser la persona que me permitió cumplir el sueño de jugar con el primer equipo del Real Madrid #GraciasZidane pic.twitter.com/Xag6cjXRV6
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) May 31, 2018
Achraf: “Eternally grateful for your confidence, mister and for being the person who allowed me to fulfill the dream of playing with the first team of Real Madrid.”
Un placer haber trabajado contigo y haber aprendido tanto de ti #GraciasZidane pic.twitter.com/jLFiAQg6Jk
— Theo Hernandez (@TheoHernandez) May 31, 2018
“A pleasure to have worked with you and have learned so much from you,” said Hernandez.
Gracias por todo lo que he aprendido de ti este año. Dejas un legado muy grande en el Real Madrid. Fuiste leyenda como jugador y ahora también como entrenador. Te deseo lo mejor, míster⚽🙏🏽🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/v7nGZnQk6p
— Daniel Ceballos (@DaniCeballos46) May 31, 2018
“Thank you for everything I’ve learned from you this year. You leave a very big legacy in Real Madrid. You were a legend as a player and now also as a coach. I wish you the best, Mister.”
La palabra GRACIAS se queda pequeña para mostrarte mi gratitud. Jamás podré agradecerte lo suficiente toda tu confianza en mí y la oportunidad que me has dado de cumplir mi gran sueño. Ha sido un privilegio aprender cada día de ti. Ojalá nuestros caminos vuelvan a juntarse pronto pic.twitter.com/rYBOA28Gnb
— Borja Mayoral (@Mayoral_Borja) May 31, 2018
Mayoral added: “‘Thank you’ is not enough to show my gratitude. I will never be able to thank you enough for all your trust in me and the opportunity you have given me to fulfill my great dream. It has been a privilege to learn every day from you. I hope our paths will cross again soon.”
Míster, contigo hemos aprendido, hemos crecido y hemos conseguido lo que parecía imposible. Te vas en lo más alto. Muchas gracias de parte de todo el madridismo.
— Marcos Llorente (@marcosllorente) May 31, 2018
“Mister, with you we have learned, we have grown and we have achieved what seemed impossible. You’re going to the top. Thank you very much from all the Madrid fans”, said Marcos Llorente.
And of course, Zidane’s son Luca, who was given his debut in Madrid’s final La Liga match of the season, joined the chorus of applause.
Gracias Zidane. pic.twitter.com/LeKwQm54td
— #CHAMP13NS 🏆⚽️ (@realmadrid) May 31, 2018
But the club said it best.