Zizou to make Bernabeu debut

Real Madrid ace Zinedine Zidane is hoping to be excused from international duty so that he can take part in the Trofeo Bernabeu on August 14.

Zizou is expected to be on call for France, who take on Denmark in Nantes on August 15, scuppering his chances of starring for Real the following day against Inter Milan in the Trofeo Bernabeu.

The annual tournament will act as the team's official presentation before the league kicks off at the end of the month and Zidane is determined not to miss it. Writing on his personal web site the French star said: "On August 14th I'll be in Madrid to play my first game at the Bernabeu."

Real officials are hoping that the appearance of Zidane on the 14th will guarantee a huge turn-out amongst the club's supporters.