Valdano Mocks Juve Over Zidane Denials
Thursday 21st June 2001
Real Madrid sports director Jorge Valdano claimed on Thursday evening that his club still have an excellent chance of signing Zinedine Zidane, despite Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi's insistence that the player is not for sale.
"Of course Moggi is going to say that," scoffed Valdano. "He has to because he has been pressed by the media in Italy."
Moggi has been angered by the rumours circulating in Spain that Juve's prized asset is set to join Real. On Wednesday he hit back at speculation that a move was imminent, but constant coverage appears to have unnerved the Turin club, especially given Zidane's public desire to try his luck in Spain.
Juve coach Marcello Lippi reiterated the party line on Thursday, claming Juve had every intention of keeping the side together that finished second in Serie A.
"My leaders will be Alessandro Del Piero, Zinedine Zidane and Edwin Van der Sar," he said, pointedly referring to three players linked with moves away from the Delle Alpi.
But Valdano, whose side pulled off the coup of the year by prising Luis Figo from rivals Barcelona last summer, remains optimistic that a deal can be done.
"Although the relationship between the two clubs could be better I can tell you that they will become perfect when Moggi and I sit down to have a coffee," Valdano said.
"I have known him since Maradona signed for Napoli so there won't be any problems."
