Zinedine Zidane has refused to say whether his decision to leave Real Madrid has anything to do with the vacant hotseat at BBC Radio 1.
Pressure had been growing on Zidane, with Madrid supremo Florentino Perez publicly demanding to know why he had only won a disappointing nine trophies in his two-and-a-half-year spell in charge.
Last weekend's Champions League victory had appeared to buy him time, despite Perez's warnings that he would not tolerate a whole summer without silverware.
But Zidane, widely considered the second-baldest of the world's elite coaches, has decided to go out on a high, and speculation is now rife that he is preparing to make the transition to public sector broadcasting.
The coveted Breakfast Show role is newly available following the shock departure of Nick Grimshaw, but the 47-year-old has refused to say if he will be applying for what many call 'the hardest job in the world'.
"Zizou has long been an admirer of English-style breakfast radio", a Bernabeu source told FourFourTwo. "He thinks he's taken Real as far as he can, and the only job bigger is the slot between Adele Roberts and Clara Amfo.
"He's always fancied a crack at helping Britain get up with a smile on its face by spinning some good-time choons, while also being the go-to place for traffic and weather updates. After Kiev, I think he's earned the opportunity."
Mic idols
Zidane, whose first-born son is named Chris after venerated DJ Moyles, has spoken positively about the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show in the past. His pedigree makes him the favourite to fill Grimshaw's boots, along with Greg James and Carlo Ancelotti.
"He used to tell us all to be treat the ball like Annie Mac treats the microphone," said acclaimed hatchetman and club captain Sergio Ramos. "His desk was full of signed photos of Chris Evans, which he used to whisper to during stressful moments.
"His English isn’t the greatest, and he doesn't say much at the best of times," Ramos continued. "In other words, he'll be perfect for the role."
Grimshaw is expected to be announced as the new Real Madrid boss on Saturday.
Please note: This satirical news story is not real. Astonishing we have to say that, really.
More Back of the Net • Newfeaturesyou’d love on FourFourTwo.com
