Zidane 'honoured' to be at Real
Zinedine Zidane has described his record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid as a huge honour and labelled his new club as the best in the world.
Zinedine Zidane has described his record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid as a huge honour and labelled his new club as the best in the world.
Zidane was unveiled in front of the world's media at Real's Palacio de Hielo headquarters where he was presented with the famous white shirt by club legend Alfredo di Stefano, who said: "I wish Zidane all the very best at Real Madrid and I hope that he continues to triumph as he has done at Juventus and with France.
"For me it's an honour to present Zidane and I give him my congratulations on behalf of all of Madrid."
Contrary to earlier reports stating the Frenchman would be Real's number 21, Zidane was handed the number five shirt, which last season belonged to Argentinian international Fernando Redondo.
The world and European champion has had no time to learn any Spanish but in his native French said: "It is an honour for me to come to Madrid and I have been dying for this moment to arrive. I spent five years at Juve and this was the best time to come and play in Spain."
"I am very happy at having signed for the best club in the world. I can't wait to put on the white shirt of Real Madrid."
Real chairman Florentino Perez, the man who bankrolled the $US 65m transfer, added: "For me it is a great satisfaction to celebrate an event like this. At times there are players who are born to play for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane is one of those people."
"Apart from his sporting qualities he has a series of virtues that fit into what Real Madrid is all about."
"In December FIFA declared Real Madrid to be the best club of the century and the best club in the world must have the best players and Real Madrid is the ideal location for someone with the talents of Zinedine Zidane."
"We are making a Real Madrid for the 21st century and I'm sure that we will enjoy many more successes in the forthcoming season. The incorporation of Zinedine Zidane sends an exciting message to all football fans in Spain. Spanish fans have the right to see the best players in the world and I believe that we are helping make the Spanish Liga the best league in the world."