Zidane to commit to perfect Madrid

Things are looking up at the Bernabeu as Zinedine Zidane is poised to commit to the nine-time European champions for another year and David Beckham claims the Real Madrid team is now perfect.

Spanish sports daily Marca reported Friday that French World Cup winner Zidane is about to commit to the final year of his contract at Madrid, due to end in June 2007, after months of uncertainty.

The 33-year-old had said he would wait until after the World Cup to decided on whether to prolong his marvellous career for another year.
 
But according to the newspaper: "Marca can confirm that the Frenchman is close to saying 'yes' to continuing for another season."

"Zidane is feeling much better and what is most important, he is full of ambition to win titles with Real Madrid."

Meanwhile, Beckham claims the turnaround in the club's fortunes since the turn of the year - during which they have won every game since January 8 except an anomalous 6-1 Spanish Cup defeat at Real Zaragoza - is down to new coach Juan Roman Lopez Caro.

"It's incredible everything that he has changed in three months," said Beckham.

"It's a new team. It is very united at the moment, it's perfect. He has brought a new level of confidence among the players and supporters."

The England captain explained that his form has improved since Lopez Caro switched him back out to the right hand side after often playing in the middle under former coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.

"He wants me to play closer to the line. That's where I spent 10 years at Manchester United and I enjoy playing there."

"I like playing in the centre a lot but I play better on the flank because it enables me to put crosses into the box."

Beckham is particularly looking forward to next week's Champions League encounter against Arsenal, although he is struggling with a back problem.

"I have been waiting three years for this moment. Ever since the beginning (of my move to Madrid) I have wanted to play in England wearing the Real jersey. To play in London, where I was born, will be something very special."

However, he added: "My back is causing me problems. Every day I am having massages and treatment."

"People have said that I'm having injections but that happened only once with an anti-inflammatory substance. I am fine even if I have a little pain."

Madrid captain and Spain international Raul Gonzalez will be on the bench against Alaves on Saturday after recovering from injury.