Real Madrid has called back the services of Zinedine Zidane to manage their team once again. The French man was unveiled in an extravagant event which had him smiling all through.
Zidane resigned from his post as the manager of the club last year after helping the club win three back to back champions league cups. However, he has now returned and signed a deal that will leave him at the helm of affairs until 2022.
In his first conference after being unveiled in Madrid, Zidane explained why he left the club before, and his reason for coming back again.
He stated, “When I went it was the right time to leave. I have had various offers since then but I wanted to stay here in Madrid. My first reaction when the president called me was to come back. Here I am.”
On why he left at the end of last season, the Madrid legend gave an explanation that was similar to what he mentioned when he resigned.
He said, “I left the club because I thought the squad needed a change after winning everything.
“I’m back because the president called me. I am happy to be back but it’s a big responsibility because a lot of people love this club.
“We won the Champions League last season but we lost the league early and the cup too and I was at the controls when those things happened.
“I know what I did wrong last season and I’m going to do my best to make sure the team does better this time.
“We have to change things but right now we have time to talk and plan. We have 11 games left. Things are going badly in the league but I was the coach last season and it was the same (in the league).”
Zidane also expressed his thoughts over the sale of Christiano Ronaldo, saying, “Everyone knows what Cristiano is. He is one of the greatest and part of the history of this club but we have 11 games left to focus on.
While reacting to the question of whether he saw his return as a risk, Zidane stated, “I’m not thinking about that. My heart says that I have rested and the president calls me and I wanted to come and that’s it. The desire I have is what has brought me here.
Zidane equally mentioned that he would be as professional as possible in handling the relationship between the players and the club. He said, “The players here have won so much. I’m not going to get involved in what has happened between them this season.
“I’ve seen all the games. The players are the first to know that it has been a tough year. You cant always win sometimes you have to lose to get back to where you were before.”
The French man further explained how his resignation was received differently by different people, saying, “Some people said ‘gracias’ but also some bad things too.
“I wouldn’t be here if I thought something negative could happen or there was a risk. I’m a positive person and I’ve managed to rest well these last few months.
“The Real Madrid president called me and I wanted to return. Maybe four months ago it wouldn’t have worked out, I wouldn’t have come, who knows?
“But this is the right timing and a great opportunity. I’m really looking forward to this challenge.’
Florentino Perez, who had headed the unveiling, also shared his thoughts with reporters. He said, “We are going through a complex and difficult time. We have not had the desired results this season.
“I want to recognize the professionalism of Santiago Solari in difficult times and we want him to stay at this club if that is what he desires, but we want to start now working towards a new golden era.
“Dear Zizou, we want everyone to know that the best coach in the world is coming back to Real Madrid.”
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