Real-Target Zidane Keen On Move To La Liga
Tuesday 29th May 2001
Zinedine Zidane has fuelled speculation of a summer move to Real Madrid by revealing he is desperate to play in La Liga. "I feel now that if I leave Italy, my main ambition will be to play in Spain rather than England,'' said the Juventus playmaker.
Spanish television station Rai 1 reported recently that Real are willing to offer �10 million plus midfielder Claude Makelele and defender Michel Salgado for Zidane.
And the World Cup and European Championship winner seems keen on the possible switch, which would also suit his Spanish wife Veronique, who has complained about life in Turin.
The 28-year-old midfielder has also been the subject of two bids by Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, but although Zidane was tempted by a switch to Old Trafford three years ago, a move to the Premiership is not high on his list of priorities.
Zidane said: "I never say never, but at the moment my thinking is that a move to England would not be right. I feel like I want to get to see the Spanish league so if there's the possibility of going there I would choose it over England.
"As for the interest from Manchester United, they are without doubt one of the biggest clubs in Europe, but my interest in Spain is very strong.'
"Nearly three years ago there was interest in me from Manchester United. I was quite interested, but it didn't happen. Now it's quite different. Even if Manchester United are interested, Juventus don't want to let me go."
Zidane added that money was not his motivation for moving to La Liga. He said: "A pay day isn't my philosophy. I started in football very young and I think football has given me everything I hoped for.
"There is a life beyond football and by the time I'm 34 or 35 I'll be ready to start that new life.''
Zidane then revealed his burning desire to add a Champions' League medal to the World Cup and European Championship gongs he has already picked up.
He said: "I still haven't won the Champions League and that still feels like something missing.
"If I could win the Champions' League then I'd have won just about everything and you play the game to win. The only thing missing for me is that medal then I would be complete."
