Zidane 'happy' to sign contract extension with Real Madrid
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.
Zinedine Zidane has now won 6 of the 8 trophies available to him since taking charge of Real Madrid.
75% trophy win rate. ? pic.twitter.com/tLjOlYRuDa
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 8, 2017
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.
