Ronaldo declares fit for Champions League final
Zidane praises Simeone ahead of showdown
MADRID, May 24, (RTRS): Cristiano Ronaldo has reassured Real Madrid fans he will be fit to play in Saturday’s Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in Milan after limping out of Tuesday’s training session.
Ronaldo failed to complete training for the third session in a row, leaving the pitch with a thigh problem following a clash with Real goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
“It was a minor scare, a knock, but in a few days’ time I will be well,” the Portuguese forward told reporters.
The 31-year-old missed the first leg of Real’s semifinal against Manchester City with a thigh injury but thinks he is in better physical condition than he was before game of our lives. “The best two teams are in the final. I believe we are better but we have to play a good game. I think we will win and lift the European Cup again on Saturday.”
Zinedine Zidane had few equals as a player but heading into his first Champions League final as a coach, he admits that unlike Atletico Madrid counterpart Diego Simeone he still has much to learn.
The former France playmaker, who was promoted from Real’s reserve team to replace Rafa Benitez in January, steered the side to a runners-up finish in La Liga and Saturday’s final in Milan.
Real have won 21 out of 26 games under Zidane and lost two, scoring 71 goals and giving away 18.
Simeone led Atletico to their second Champions League final in three years.
“He has everything that a coach needs but above all, he knows his team and his players well, which is the most important thing,” Zidane told a news conference on Tuesday.
“I have a lot to learn but my enthusiasm to learn is tremendous. This will make me improve. I still have a long journey to be an important coach.”
Saturday cannot come soon enough for Zidane, who could become the seventh man to win the European Cup as a player and a coach.
His spectacular volley in the final in Glasgow in 2002 gave Real their ninth European title and they claimed a record 10th crown in 2014.
“I’m excited and happy,” the 43-yearold said. “I am looking forward to the final, to take advantage of this opportunity. “I know how lucky I am to have the chance to be in a final with this club.”
Zidane was assistant to Real coach Carlo Ancelotti when Los Blancos beat Atletico 4-1 in extra time in the final two years ago today.