Zinedine Zidane unexpectedly leaves Real Madrid

May 31 (UPI) -- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane announced Thursday that he is leaving the club.

The legendary French midfielder made his intentions known at a news conference in Madrid with team president Florinto Perez.

Zidane, 45, joined Madrid's sideline in Jan. 2016. He has since led the club to a La Liga title, three Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.

Madrid claimed its most recent Champions League trophy on Saturday with a 3-1 win against Liverpool in Kiev, Ukraine.

Zidane informed Perez of his decision Wednesday.

"Zizou came to me yesterday to inform me of an unexpected decision that he has taken and I think he should be allowed to explain what that decision is and why he has made it," Perez told reporters. "At this moment, I would like to just say that I am standing by him."

Zidane called the moment "strange" and "important."

"As the president said, I have taken the decision to step down as Real Madrid coach," Zidane said. "I spoke to him to clarify what I was thinking and I think this is the right moment for all involved: for me, for the squad, for the club... It is a strange moment, but it is an important moment and I had to make this decision for everyone involved."

Perez said he would love for Zidane to be by his side "forever."

Madrid battles Manchester United in the International Champions Cup on July 31 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.