Real Madrid players send their goodbyes to Julen Lopetegui

Real Madrid announced Julen Lopetegui's departure on Monday night. The Basque coach has since sent an appreciative message thanking, amongst others, the players for their hard work during his short spell in charge.

Mariano and Kroos start the Lopetegui farewells

The players responded, some quicker than others, to publicly say farewell to the manager, with Mariano Diaz and Toni Kroos getting things going.

"I will always be grateful to Julen Lopetegui," Mariano started. "One of the people who made my return home possible. I wish you the best in the future. Now it's just us left to fight more than ever to get out of the situation," was his message posted on Tuesday.

Hours later, Toni Kroos took to Twitter and said: "The biggest defeat for the players is when a manager has to go. Especially in this case because he is a great manager and a great person. Thank you, Julen!"

Reguilón and Ceballos

Shortly after, more players made their statements of affection on social media. Youngster Sergio Reguilón was given his first team debut by the now-departed coach posted:

"I will always be grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream, I wish you success wherever you go because, as you said, luck does not exist, work does, thank you, Gaffer."

And Dani Ceballos, who started worked with Lopetegui in the younger age groups of the Spanish national team said:

"Thank you Gaffer for the trust you showed in me and for all your work and dedication. I wish you every success in your sporting career."

Not all players chose to say their goodbyes via a public social media site with each doing what felt right for them.