Reports emerged on Wednesday that Zidane would step aside at Real after failing to win a trophy this season, having finished as La Liga runners-up and fallen in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Real confirmed the Frenchman’s exit on Thursday in a statement which was full of praise for a manager who guided the club to three European crowns.
“We must now respect his decision and express our gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid,” the statement said.
“Zidane is one of Real Madrids great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club.
“He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid.”
Zidane led Real from 2019 to 2021 in his latest stint, after a spell from 2016 to 2018 when he lifted three Champions League crowns.
As Real boss, Zidane won two La Liga titles, two Club World Cups and two UEFA Super Cups.
Sky in Italy has already reported that Conte, who has left Inter Milan following their Serie A success, is top of their wishlist.
Massimiliano Allegri had been on Real’s radar too, but the Italian is set to join Juventus to replace Andrea Pirlo who had an underwhelming debut season in charge.
In further managerial merry-go-round news, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly entertaining a return to Tottenham, having led Paris Saint-Germain in the second-half of the 2020-21 season.