Zidane leaves clubs in limbo
REAL MADRID boss Zinedine Zidane has hinted that he will leave the club at the end of the season, amid reports suggesting he is set to resign.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s clash with Athletic Bilbao overnight, Zidane was quizzed on his future.
“The answer is very boring,” Zidane said, according to Spanish sports daily Marca. “The truth is there are two games left.
“I don’t know what will happen. Anything can happen. This is Real Madrid. I don’t see myself beyond the day to day.
“They think that I leave because I went to take responsibility away when things get complicated, but it’s not like that. I do what I do and I do it to the fullest.
“There comes a time when you have to change because it’s good for everyone.
“There are times when you have to be there and others when you have to go for the good of everyone.”
According to the Mail, Zidane “will almost certainly” leave Madrid at the end of the season and his departure could have a major effect on the transfer dealings of several Premier League clubs.
Both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur currently have players on loan from Madrid, while Manchester United have been heavily linked with a current Madrid star.
Martin Odegaard has impressed on loan at Arsenal this season and, according to Football London, the 22-year-old wants to stay at the Emirates.
Should Zidane depart, Odegaard’s future will likely depend on the new manager and whether they are willing to offer him regular game time at the Bernabeu.
Gareth Bale’s future would also be affected by Zidane’s departure, with the Welshman clearly not a favourite of the French legend.
United, meanwhile, are in the market for a centreback and they have been heavily linked with Madrid star Raphael Varane.
Varane’s future may well depend on who is in charge at the Bernabeu next season, with the choice of manager likely to play a big part in whether he decides to sign a new contract or leave. – Express Newspapers