New Delhi: It was eight years ago when France won the Euro Championships to add the cherry to their World Cup winning cake.
So it's only natural that one of the heroes of that win; a man often described as among the greatest to have played the game is disappointed at their rapid decline.
From being champions of the world in 1998, to failing to go past the first round in Europe a decade later; France have experienced a dreadful free fall but their greatest player of all time Zinedine Zidane; hasn't lost hope.
"I think we have to forget very quickly the way things worked out and get straight down to work to prepare for 2010 World Cup. There is a great generation coming through with some very good, talented players. I think France will come back from this very quickly. Watch out for them in 2010," says Zidane.
Having been the best player in the world in his playing days; it's easy for Zizou to put himself in the shoes of his heir apparent; Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese genius is rumored to be keen on a move to Real Madrid and Zidane says if he wants to go, Manchester United will have to let him.
"Real would not be frightened of paying a large sum of money because every time in the past when they have wanted a player they have managed to bring him to Madrid. Obviously it will be up to the player; if he wants to go one day or another he will be at Real Madrid," he says.
But its matters closer home that are occupying Zidane's mind space and he has thrown his weight behind World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps to take over as the new coach.
Comments
0 comment