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Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, Manchester United, David De Gea, Eden Hazard
Chris Byfield
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, Manchester United, David De Gea, Eden Hazard
Zinedine Zidane once quit Real Madrid after the club tried to sign a Manchester United player, it has been claimed.
In recent days, Zidane has been linked with a return to management, with some reports in Turkey claiming that the France icon is in talks to succeed Jose Mourinho as Fenerbahce boss.
Meanwhile, French magazine L’Equipe has alleged that Zidane is readying himself to take over from Didier Deschamps as France manager after next summer’s World Cup.
The publication alleged that the 53-year-old has been following Les Blues and monitoring their players and domestic league in preparation for the role, with several stars, including Kylian Mbappe, said to be eager to work with the 1998 World Cup winner.
Indeed, Zidane has been without a managerial role since 2021, when he stepped down from his second spell as Real Madrid boss.
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The former midfielder enjoyed enormous success at the helm of Los Blancos, helping them to 11 trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Supercopa de España titles.
Zidane’s first spell in charge of Real is said to have ended in acrimonious circumstances, with the Frenchman reportedly falling out with club president Florentino Perez over transfer plans.
According to a 2018 Sun report, Zidane told Perez he wished to sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea but the president said no.
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Perez then told Zidane he wished to bring in David de Gea from Manchester United instead. Zidane allegedly insisted he had faith in Real’s then No.1 Keylor Navas, and did not want another top level goalkeeper.
The debate allegedly went back and forth, before Zidane concluded by telling Perez: “I am done. You take care of the team.”
Of course, while De Gea never signed for Real, Hazard joined the following summer for a transfer fee worth up to £130m.
However, injury woes and subpar performances meant Hazard struggled to make the grade, with the player departing Real in June 2023 and retiring from professional football four months later.