UEFA Nations League
Zidane defends Cristiano Ronaldo: “He helped me win incredible things”
Zinedine Zidane rejected the idea that Cristiano Ronaldo is having a poor end to his career and reflected on everything they achieved together at Real Madrid: “I take my hat off to Cristiano.”… Show More
Zinedine Zidane rejected the idea that Cristiano Ronaldo is having a poor end to his career and reflected on everything they achieved together at Real Madrid: “I take my hat off to Cristiano.”
Zinedine Zidane did not hesitate when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo and the latter stages of the Portuguese star's career.
Speaking ahead of France's UEFA Nations League match against Belgium, the France head coach was asked about Ronaldo's international career and whether he agreed with the suggestion that it was ending on a disappointing note.
Zidane firmly disagreed.
“No, I think he should be congratulated for his great career. What he did is exceptional,” Zidane said.
His comments come following the controversy surrounding Cristiano's recent departure from the Portugal camp in Copenhagen.
“I take my hat off to Cristiano”
Zidane knows better than most what Cristiano can deliver. The pair worked together during one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid's recent history.
“I was lucky enough to have him with me, and he helped me win incredible things, so I take my hat off to Cristiano,” Zidane said.
The Frenchman also emphasized the respect he continues to have for his former player.
“I will always have great respect for him, as I do for all players, but even more for those with whom I shared so much time, and Cristiano in particular, because he helped us win so much.”
Between 2016 and 2018, Zidane and Ronaldo won nine trophies together at Real Madrid: three Champions League titles, one LaLiga title, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and one Spanish Super Cup.
Zidane begins a new chapter with France
Zidane is now experiencing a different side of coaching.
The former midfielder took charge of France this summer, replacing Didier Deschamps, and has so far recorded two away victories, against Türkiye and Belgium, along with a draw against Italy in Paris.
Comparing international management with the daily demands of club soccer, Zidane admitted the rhythm is different.
“Perhaps the difference is that at a club it never stops. It's day-to-day and very demanding. I loved doing that, and now I have another side to experience and I'll try to do it this way, which will be a little different.”
His approach, however, remains unchanged.
“The desire to work well around my team is the same.”
Pressure continues to motivate Zidane
The France coach also discussed the pressure surrounding his new role, something he said has been part of his life since his playing days.
“I've always had pressure,” Zidane said, explaining that he enjoys that sense of “tension” and uses it as motivation.
More than anything, he emphasized how much he is enjoying his new role: “Being here with the players is a real pleasure.”
What Zidane said about Cristiano and his new France chapter
- Zidane rejected the suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo is having a poor end to his career and described his achievements as “exceptional.”
- The French coach reflected on the nine trophies they won together at Real Madrid and said: “I take my hat off to Cristiano.”
- Zidane admitted international management is different from the daily demands of club soccer, but said his approach to the job remains the same.
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