Costa, Azpilicueta react to Zidane departure from Real Madrid

Las Rozas: The sudden resignation of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of Real Madrid on Thursday interrupted a post-training press conference with two members of the Spanish national football team, who could not contain their reactions to the news.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa and Chelsea’s César Azpilicueta were fresh off the training ground in Las Rozas just north of Madrid when a reporter in the crowd broke the news of Zidane’s surprise decision to leave the club just days after winning his third consecutive Champions League title, reports Efe.

“How unlucky, to win the Champions League then get the boot,” said striker Costa with a wry smile. “He should have lost.”

“It’s the first I’ve heard of it, I’m sure he explained his reasons,” added defender Azpilicueta. “In the time he has been there he has won three consecutive Champions League, something that no one has ever done.”

The Frenchman, who first became a legend as a player for Real Madrid, bagged not only three Champions League trophies but also won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup twice and the FIFA Club World Cup twice as manager of Los Blancos.

IANS