Zidane to End Career at Juve
Wednesday 24th January 2001
Zinedine Zidane revealed on Wednesday that he intends to finish his career
with Juventus. The France midfielder said: "I still have four or five
seasons to play. My contract in Turin runs until 2005 and I think I will
stay there until the end of my career."
World Cup and European Championship winner Zidane last week blasted reports
that he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid. "The rumours
that I have arranged a transfer are completely unfounded," he claimed.
"It is necessary that the people who claim to love football and know me
believe that I have signed nothing and have no agreement with Madrid."
Zidane added that the thought of playing in La Liga had not crossed his
mind. "I never thought about going to Madrid," added the two-times Fifa
World Player of the Year.
Before Christmas, Zidane revealed that he would retire within five seasons.
He said: "I am 28 years old, I am mature now. I hope my finest years are
ahead, although I know it will be hard to do better than winning a World Cup
and a European Championship.
Unless, of course, we become world champions again in Japan. Why not? It
will be tough, but not impossible.
"Although the World Cup will be here sooner than we think, I have to focus
on other things for the time being, such as Juve and the championship.
"I think I have a few years left as a footballer. If not five, it will be
two or three. But you won't see me on the pitch anymore when I'm 33 years
old, that's for sure."
Barcelona declared an interest in signing the �50 million-rated playmaker
over the summer and Zidane's agent Alain Migliascio said: "I'm negotiating
with Barca, who after losing Figo want to take a big step and play Zidane
alongside Rivaldo." Nothing ever came of the talks.
