Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he will become the new director of football at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. The former player has been working closely with Madrid president Florentino Perez as a special advisor, creating a link between the first team and the management at Los Blancos. Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will work closely with the 39 year old next season in an attempt to bring success back to Madrid on a regular basis.
Commenting on his new role, Zidane said: ‘Mourinho influenced this decision, but also Florentino. We will see (what the new role entails), but I will begin from Monday until the end of the season.‘
Zidane helped Madrid sign former Lens defender Raphael Varane this summer and the former French international, who won a World Cup and a European Championship in his career, believes that Varane has a bright future in the Spanish capital. Zidane has also had his say on a possible transfer for Neymar from Santos and thinks the Brazilian youngster could follow in the footsteps of compatriot Robinho, who made the same switch from Santos to Madrid in 2005.
Former Madrid director general Jorge Valdano was dismissed at the end of last season and it is widely expected that Zidane will take on some of the responsibilities that Valdano held. The relationship between Zidane and Mourinho is more jovial than the frosty friendship held between the Special One and Valdano last season. Mourinho is said to be delighted with the appointment and is looking to work closely with Zidane to improve the side and attract transfer targets to the Bernabeu.
During his time in Spain, Zidane made 225 appearances and scored 49 goals, the best of which coming from a left footed volley in the 2001 Champions League final at Hampden Park against Bayer Leverkusen. Despite his magic in Madrid, the French international, capped 108 times by Les Blues, only won one La Liga trophy and one Champions League.
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