Real Madrid's Zidane won't change retirement decision

Zinedine Zidane is determined to hang up his boots after this year's World Cup.

The Frenchman's contract with Real Madrid doesn't expire until June, 2007, but he is prepared to sacrifice the £4 million deal to leave the game on his own terms.

However, Zidane's retirement will not mean the end of his association with Real Madrid. The midfielder has just bought a new home near the city centre and his children are enrolled in a local French Grammar school. Real president Florentino Perez also wants Zidane to carry out an ambassador's role for the club.

Some Real directors have attempted to change Zizou's mind, but he is adamant this will be his last season as a player.