Real Madrid to announce extension for Zidane

Real Madrid have confirmed that midfielder Zinedine Zidane will remain at the club until 2006.

The World Player of the Year's current Real contract is set to expire in 2005, but Real have agreed with the Frenchman to take up the option of another 12 months.

After earlier indicating that he would hang up his boots at the end of his present Real contract, Zidane has reportedly told club officials he is happy to stay on a further year, which will take him into the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Real president Florentino Perez is delighted with Zidane's commitment, which is expected to be officially announced this week.