Zidane Becomes World Top Earner
Zinedine Zidane has signed a new lucrative contract with Juventus that will make him the world's highest earner alongside Alessandro del Piero.
The midfielder has signed a contract extension that will keep at the Turin club until 2005. The new deal has boosted his weekly wage to �72,500 after tax, increasing his annual salary from �1.8 million to �3.7 million a year.
Speaking to supporters via the internet, club executive and former Italian international Roberto Bettega confirmed the new deal that will earn the French playmaker �15 million over four years.
"We will definitely be keeping Zinedine Zidane," said Bettega. "He has signed a new contract and will be on the same wages as Alex Del Piero on a contract that will run until 2005."
Meanwhile Juventus, who are keen to improve their squad for next season's Champions' League campaign, have once more been linked with Real Madrid striker Nicolas Anelka.
Real's President, Lorenzo Sanz has insisted that his young striker is going nowhere. "Anelka is priceless. He will stay with us."
But given that Arsenal is still waiting for the next instalment of the �23 million due to them for the purchase of their former player, it is possible that the controversial 21-year-old, who has had problems with his manager Vicente del Bosque, may move on.
According to Real, Juventus have an agreement which gives them first option on the player when he moves on.
