Zidane confirms farewell, may coach kids

MADRID, April 26, 2006 (AFP) – Real Madrid star and France legend Zinedine Zidane on Wednesday explained his decision to retire after the World Cup finals in Germany and not play on with his club for another year.

“I didn’t make this decision overnight. It’s one I’ve mulled over for a long time,” Zidane told a news conference in Madrid, confirming what he had told French television on Tuesday.

“I am going to leave football at the end of the season allowing Real to plan for the coming season,” said Zidane adding that he and the club were working on a plan which would see him remain at the club to coach children.

“I’d like to stay with Real Madrid – we have a project which would see me something related to (working with) the kids,” said Zidane, adding that the club had persuaded him to sign a final playing deal to 2007 although his intention was to fix his sights on retirement this year.

“Things come to an end – that’s life,” he reflected.

The French star, who turns 34 in June, gained footballing immortality when his two headed goals in the 1998 final helped humble Brazil and hand hosts France their first World Cup title.

Subject: French news