Florentino Perez was taken by surprise at the decision, made by Zinedine Zidane, to officially announce his resignation as Real Madrid coach in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The precise reason for the decision is not yet known, although the former Juventus midfielder cited that the dressing room needed a different voice after two and a half years of his stewardship.
The club revealed on Thursday that Zidane was to appear in a hastily arranged news conference that caught many by surprise, fuelling speculation that his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu could be coming to an end.
Zidane confirmed his departure at the start of the news briefing, just five days after he presided over the 3-1 Champions League final win over Liverpool.
“I have decided not to be Real Madrid coach next season,” said Zidane, who was joined by club president Florentino Perez.
“I spoke to Florentino yesterday [Wednesday] to tell him my thoughts, my feelings. I know it’s a strange moment for everyone involved, but I think it’s the right decision.
“I think this team needs to keep winning but I think after three years a change is needed, something different, a different message, different ways of going about things.
“That’s why I decided to take this decision. It’s a club I love and I love the president too, he brought me to this huge club and I will always be grateful, but I think a change is needed so I will not be here next season.”
Even European success, which he also managed in each of his first two seasons in charge of the team, has not been enough to persuade him to prolong his spell.
Madrid’s third-place La Liga finish is likely the major factor in Zidane’s departure, as Los Blancos ended the season 17 points adrift of bitter rivals and champions Barcelona.
He did, however, confirm that he was not pushed out of the exit door.
Zidane confirmed on Thursday he is leaving the club, just five days on from winning his third Champions League in a row, citing the need for “a change” for him and the team.
The 45-year-old’s future had come under scrutiny in the weeks leading up to the Champions League final against Liverpool, with Madrid having failed to defend their La Liga title and crashed out of the Copa del Rey to Leganes.
“As you can imagine, after winning the Champions League, to hear this decision is completely unexpected,” he told a news conference. “It’s a sad day for me and it also will be for the fans and players of this club.
“I wanted him as a player and a manager and I wanted him to be next to me forever, but I also know that, when he takes a decision, it’s a final decision.
“It was a huge impact for me yesterday when I heard this decision. I would have liked to convince him to stay on but I know what he’s like. All I can offer is my love and respect and remind him that this is his home.”
Perez remains hopeful that Zidane will return to the club in future, having won nine major trophies since taking over in January 2016.
“Nobody can be prepared for news like this,” he said. “When I heard, I went to his house to see if he was prepared and he told me completely seriously that he was convinced.
“I want to thank him for his commitment, his passion, his love, everything he has done for Real Madrid. His behaviour has always been an example for all and he has represented Real Madrid very well.
“I don’t want this to be a goodbye, just a ‘see you soon’. I’ve no doubt he will come back but, if he needs to rest, he deserves that.”