I am a dissapointment so fare, admits Zidane

World-record signing Zinedine Zidane admitted on Thursday he has been a disappointment at Real Madrid. "I am not in good form and I am conscious that I am not playing as people expect," he said.

Zidane, however, rejected claims that he has been unable to cope with the extra pressures of playing for Real, and that his £48 million price tag is weighing him down.

He said: "I admit when I first arrived I was shocked by the crowd that followed me every day, supporters and journalists, but now I see it as normal behaviour, because I now understand my signing was a big deal for everyone here."

"It has been two difficult months for me, but now I am used to the city and the focus of the media, and now I only worry about showing people the quality I know I have."

"I am not in good form. I am concious that I am not playing as people and I first expected. I am not at hundred per cent but I am trying to be."

Zidane did, though, appeal for some space as he tries to recapture his best form.

He said: "I want people to understand I need to live my private life in peace."

"All of us need quietness, not only me. The only difference between normal people and I is that I work for Real Madrid. I can stand the pressure on the field but I want to live in peace away from it."

Zidane will miss Tuesday's Champions' League clash with Roma because of suspension, and predicted a tough night for his colleagues.

"Fabio Capello's squad will be a difficult team to beat and a draw would be an excellent result because I can´t think that as a team they have a weak link."