Zidane could return to Real Madrid: report
He has coached the club twice in the past
Legendary France footballer Zinedine Zidane could return to Real Madrid for another stint as manager.
According to The Athletic, a source from Zidane’s outer circle says that a third stint at Real Madrid under the right circumstances appeals the most to the legendary footballer — alongside Juventus and Marseille.
It must be noted that Zidane had resigned as Real Madrid manager with immediate effect, in 2021, just days after they were beaten to the La Liga title by Atletico Madrid.
The Frenchman's departure came at the end of a disappointing campaign for Madrid, who also lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, as they failed to win a trophy for the first time in 11 seasons.
The 1998 World Cup winner first took the helm in January 2016 and guided Real to the 2017 La Liga title and an unprecedented hat-trick of Champions League titles before abruptly quitting on May 31, 2018, saying the club needed "a different voice".
He returned in 2019 after Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari were sacked as managers in quick succession.
Noel Le Graet apologises for 'clumsy' Zidane comments
Recently, French football boss Noel Le Graet apologised for what he dubbed his "clumsy remarks" about Zinedine Zidane's potential interest in coaching the France national team.
Le Graet had quipped dismissively in an interview on French radio that he "wouldn't even have taken his call on the phone" when asked whether Zidane had rung him to express an interest in taking over as coach from Didier Deschamps.
That drew criticism from France and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, who called Le Graet's comments "disrespectful".
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also waded in, demanding an apology from Le Graet for his comments, which she said showed "a shameful lack of respect".
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