Zidane defends Cristiano Ronaldo and hails his exceptional career

Zinedine Zidane has come to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defence, praising the forward’s international career. The two worked together for many years at Real Madrid. Asked ahead of the Nations League match against Belgium whether the Portuguese forward had finished his career poorly, the coach answered emphatically: “No, I think he deserves to be congratulated on his great career. What he did is exceptional.”

Zidane also played down the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent departure from Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen. “I was lucky to have him with me and he helped me win incredible things, so I take my hat off to Cristiano. I will always have great respect for him,” he said, adding that Ronaldo had helped bring them shared success.

Their time together at Real Madrid came during a glorious period for the club, from 2016 to 2018. Now in charge of France, Zidane has secured two away wins, against Turkey and Belgium, as well as a draw in Paris against Italy in his first home match as national-team coach.

He believes the move from club to international management changes the setting, but not the level of demand. At a club, he explained, the work is daily and all-consuming. His new role gives him a different approach, while preserving the same commitment to working well with his team.