Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has denied reports circulating about him telling his players in the dressing room that he would be departing from the Spanish giants.
Media reports claimed the Frenchman and Madrid legend informed his squad a week ago that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Zidane led Madrid to a 1-0 win on away soil at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, May 16, to take the La Liga title race to the final day of the competition.
"How could I tell the players I'm leaving now? We're giving our everything for the title and I just say 'by the way, I'm off'?" he said.
"People outside the club can say whatever they like, but I would never, ever say that to my players," Zidane explained in an interview.
Los Blancos are currently two points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid, who came from behind to beat Osasuna 2-1 at home.
Zidane's side face Villarreal at the Bernabeu next Sunday on the final day of the season knowing that, if Atletico lose or draw at Real Valladolid, a win would give them the La Liga title.
The 48-year-old tactician is now on his second spell as boss at the Spanish based club, having won three consecutive Champions League titles in his first top managerial career between 2016 and 2018. His leadership saw Madrid crowned European champions for the 13th time.