Zinedine Zidane indicated on Saturday that he’s signed a new contract with Real Madrid, but played down the importance of the paperwork’s duration.

Various reports preceding Zidane’s media address – including one from Joaquin Maroto of AS – stated that the French manager was set to ink terms to tie him to the club until the summer of 2020, and he subsequently offered that he was “happy” to extend his stay, according to AFP.

“My story with Real Madrid is deeper than contracts and signatures,” Zidane told reporters, as translated by Sporting News.

“I’m happy to be linked with the club. But the contract doesn’t mean anything. You can sign for 10-20 years. I know where I am and what to do. In one year, maybe I won’t be here. Real Madrid and I are not going to argue, never.”

Zidane was probably due a show of trust from Los Blancos’ hierarchy. Since taking the reins from Rafa Benitez in January 2016, the former midfielder’s influence has been huge. He’s won back-to-back Champions League triumphs (the first manager to do so since AC Milan legend Arrigo Sacchi), a La Liga title, and other coveted silverware. He’s also overseen the successful reinvention of Cristiano Ronaldo as a relentless No. 9, and Isco’s rejuvenation when spearheading a midfield diamond – a position harking back to Zidane’s own in the Galacticos era.

His appointment to the Real Madrid helm was initially disparagingly viewed by some as a temporary fix; a promotion from the Castilla contingent to help smooth things over after the discord left by the Benitez regime. Now, one of the most influential players in history has firmly established himself among the managerial elite.

“I’m very happy to have the confidence Real Madrid shows in me,” Zidane added. “I’m happy to be working so well with my staff. And the objectives are always the same: trying to win every single game and every single title. We are enjoying our job a lot.”

Zidane was speaking ahead of Sunday’s first-leg bout with Clasico rival Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Supercopa de Espana.

Zinedine Zidane didn’t disclose whether Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo would take part in Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United, but the manager said he is fit to play despite returning from an extended summer holiday over the weekend.

“He’s relaxed, and what impresses me the most is that he’s as fit as the day of the final two months ago,” Zidane told reporters, according to Rob Dawson of ESPN FC.

“What interests me in the long run is that he’s fit. As to the rest, there’s not much we can do about it. The fact he’s with us means a lot. If he’s with us it’s because he’s ready to play. We’ll see whether he plays or not but the important thing is he’s with us.”

Ronaldo, who has faced his former club only twice before during UEFA competition since departing Old Trafford in 2009, was the subject of transfer rumours earlier this month as he faced tax troubles in Spain.

Yet, talks of his reported unrest have subsided ahead of a season in which Real Madrid will rely on the 32-year-old to help the club defend its Champions League and Liga trophies.

Captain Sergio Ramos, who revealed to reporters Tuesday that United was interested in signing him before committing his future to Real until 2020, said that Ronaldo’s presence was enough to provide the team with a boost, regardless of whether he plays or not.

“Cristiano is a very important player for our team and, regardless of the number of days that he’s trained, it’s important that he travels with the team,” Ramos said. “He has a different role than any other player and his presence is always good, whether he plays or not. That will be a technical decision.”

Make that four conquests of the UEFA Super Cup for Real Madrid.

On Tuesday night at Philip II Arena in Macedonia, Real Madrid held the throne in the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Manchester United 2-1. Los Blancos are the first club to win the game in successive years since AC Milan accomplished the feat in 1989 and 1990.

The result was deserved for Real Madrid, which played most of the match at a higher gear than United. Los Blancos were relentless in their pressure through the first half, and Casemiro scored the goal that had been a long time coming, calculating a run into the Red Devils’ penalty area before one-timing the ball past David De Gea. The Brazilian midfielder was borderline offside, but complaints fell upon deaf ears.

It was much of the same in the second half. Real Madrid was rewarded for its pressure once again when Karim Benzema played the ball to Isco, who played a give-and-go with Gareth Bale and proceeded to beat De Gea. United pulled a goal back minutes later courtesy of Romelu Lukaku’s first competitive goal for the Red Devils, but it was all in vain. Seven minutes of second-half stoppage time – the result of Marouane Fellaini being treated on the pitch – provided no equaliser.

At the end of the game, Jose Mourinho was seen congratulating Real Madrid’s players individually and giving Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on for Benzema in the 83rd minute, a friendly pat.