Mumbai: French legend Zinedine Zidane has won everything that he could ever ask for and sits content owning a trophy cabinet that’s fit for royalty. But when you ask one of the greatest midfielders of yesterday’s generation if there’s anything missing, pat comes the reply.
I want to continue being a winner because that’s my passion,” the Real Madrid manager, who has been appointed as the official brand ambasssador of a Mumbai-based real estate group, said at an event here on Friday.
Zinedine Zidane was all smiles during the event. (Photo: Debasish Dey/DC)
Calling the shots from the sidelines, Zidane led the Galaticos to their 11th European Cup after his side won the Champions League in a tense final against Atletico Madrid at the San Siro in Milan.
After taking over from sacked Rafael Benitez, the 43-year-old became the first Frenchman to win the title as a head coach and only the seventh ever to win it as a player and boss after a 5-3 win on penalties.
The legend didn't miss a chance to show his skills. #ZidaneAtKanakia pic.twitter.com/KsaPkP7YpO
— Kanakia Spaces (@kanakia_spaces) June 10, 2016
Zidane became a national hero after he spearheaded Les Bleus’ march in the 1998 World Cup with his crusty passing scoring twice as France shut down Brazil in the final 3-0. He also received the Légion d'honneur in 1998.
IN PICS: Zinedine Zidane arrives in India, mobbed at airport
Zizou (his nickname) stepped foot for the first time on Indian soil Thursday along with wife Veronique. The reception was a volatile one as lens men and fans almost broke through the security cover to catch a glimpse and take selfies with one of the beautiful game’s superstar. It’s learnt the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner will be in the Maximum City for a couple of days.
Zinedine Zidane also made it a point to sign autograpghs for fans during the event. (Photo: Debasish Dey/DC)
Looking dapper with a sky blue coat, Zidane dolled out insights on what it takes to be a successful footballer and even gave instances of his own fitness regime.
You have to keep your mind and body focussed as to what you have to do as a football player. It’s very important to keep my body fit. Even if I don’t play, I follow the same rules. It’s very easy to take part as a trainer and relax but I don’t do that,” Zidane asserted.
The legend marked his presence on the field. #ZidaneAtKanakia pic.twitter.com/jzRs3QYmPi
— Kanakia Spaces (@kanakia_spaces) June 10, 2016
Zidane, who retired after the infamous 2006 World Cup, pits hosts France to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy in the Euro 2016 with the home side taking on Romania in the tournament opener on Friday.
This team is very good. I am expecting them to give good competition to the others. I hope they win the cup but even if they don’t they have to give a good fight,” he added.
Zizou nets the penalty against @spaul2411 #ZidaneAtKanakia pic.twitter.com/Xx0VKdZv1D
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) June 10, 2016
24 teams will contest in Europe’s quadrennial event that will culminate at the Stade de France in Paris on July 10. Spain enter the contest as defending champions with world cup winners Germany expected to be hot favourites.
Zidane will also be in attendance during a fashion show later in the day and a panel discussion on wellness and fitness with former India pacer Zaheer Khan and Bollywood celebrity Bipasha Basu.
