Riquelme flattered by Real Madrid talk

Real Madrid are considering Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme as Zinedine Zidane's long-term replacement.
 
Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno and technical chief Ramon Martinez are considering options to replace Zidane, who may quit the game after this year's World Cup.

Riquelme heads Real's shortlist so far, though as yet no contact has been made with Villarreal. Real won't consider any summer signings until president Florentino Perez has settled on his coach for next season.

Riquelme turns 28 this year and his contract carries a buyout clause of £40 million.

"The only thing that I can say is that it makes me happy to hear of the interest of Real Madrid," said Riquelme. "I'm very happy that a club like Madrid is interested in me."

"We are speaking of a great club and it is always flattering they pay attention to you, because that means I must be doing good things at Villarreal."