Zidane tight-lipped on quit decision
Zinedine Zidane claims he is fed up with people asking him to make a decision on his international future as he prepares for Euro 2004.
Then midfield legend had previously said he would decide after this summer’s tournament in Portugal but today he made it clear he felt he could continue even at the age of 32.
His first tournament was Euro 96 in England but two years later he became a French icon when his two headed goals gave France the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Brazil in the Paris final.
He was also voted player of the tournament when Les Bleus won Euro 2000 and this season was named FIFA World Player of the Year for the third time.
Zidane said: “I am 32 and I am still in full possession of my faculties.
“On the field it is the coach (Jacques Santini) who makes the decisions – he is the boss but off the field no-one should tell me how I should live my life.
“I would not like anyone to tell me what I should do.”
There has been speculation that Zidane may decide to retire from international football after Euro 2004, and he signed an extension to his Real Madrid contract during the recently-concluded season.
Next up for “Zizou” is the friendly with Ukraine this weekend.
“I am looking forward to playing against Ukraine,” said Zidane. “I am doing well, I am physically well.
“I was happy to get some rest on the retreat at Grande-Motte because I have had a long season with Real Madrid.
“I am feeling better now. The preparation for Euro is very important and we will see how the French team behaves against Ukraine.”
