France, Zidane introduces himself: "Managing the national team was the only thing I wanted"

Zinédin Zidane will be the new coach of the French national team starting September 1. The announcement was made by the president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, who officially handed over the baton from Didier Deschamps, at the helm of the "Blues" since 2012. For weeks, Zidane was considered the natural successor to his former teammate, with whom he shared some of the most glorious moments in the history of French football, including the triumph in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

For Zidane, 54, it is a return to the bench after four years away from football. The former French star has so far only managed Real Madrid Castilla and the Real Madrid first team, with which he wrote one of the most glorious pages of European football, winning three consecutive Champions Leagues between 2016 and 2018, in addition to two Spanish league titles and other international trophies. During his experience in Madrid, he managed champions such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.

Zidane's appointment opens a new era for France, with the aim of returning the "Blues" to the top of international football in future competitions. "I have often said: there is nothing bigger than the French national team. That is why it is a joy and, of course, a great reason for pride to become coach of this team. It is also a responsibility. I would like to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee and the Federation for the trust they have placed in me, and to appreciate the 14 years of work of Didier and his staff. A special thought also goes to all my coaches. Needless to say, I have great ambitions with France!" declared Zidane.

Born in 1972, he said: "It's an extraordinary joy. I'm very happy for what's happening to me today. I have no other words. I'm calm, but I'm full of emotions and ready to face this challenge. This is what motivates me today. Leading France was the only thing I wanted to do - added Zizou. - Over the years, I've received other offers from clubs, but I've rejected them all to host the national team."

"The appointment of Zinédine Zidane as coach of the national team is a reason for immense pride for the Federation. It represents the union between a legend of French history, who has become one of the most successful and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, led by very big ambitions. Zinédine Zidane's extraordinary career has been built on talent, dedication, humility and excellence. These are values ​​that the French national team also shares and that we want to support together, with ambition, over the next four years," declared the president of the French Federation, Philippe Diallo.