Zidane's Bianconeri blues
Zinedine Zidane claimed the city of Turin was the reason he left Juventus, but his return to Italy has sparked “nostalgia.”
“The closer the game gets,” revealed Zizou, “the more clearly I recall all the wonderful moments spent at this club over five long years.”
The Real Madrid star demanded a transfer as his wife was unhappy in the Northern Italian town and moved to her homeland in a record-breaking £48m deal.
From 1996 to 2001 he helped Juve to two Italian titles, a European Supercup, Intercontinental Cup and Italian Supercup.
Now he must get the better of his old teammates if Real are to reach their second consecutive Champions’ League Final.
“This will be a very special game for me. But as soon as the starting whistle is blown I will try to put this out of my mind and think only of the victory.”
The Bianconeri fans gave Zidane a warm welcome on his arrival at the Caselle airport this afternoon.
“It is pointless trying to deny it,” continued the World Cup winner, “to set foot in the Stadio Delle Alpi will be incredibly emotional for me. It will be terribly difficult to concentrate on the game.”
The Frenchman was one of the most impressive Real players during their 2-1 first leg win at the Bernabeu, but it was not enough to close up qualification.
“I will give my shirt to Paolo Montero,” revealed Zidane. “He is a great friend of mine and was suspended for the first leg, so I couldn’t do the exchange then.”
Montero returns to the line-up, as do Edgar Davids and Alessio Tacchinardi, but Zidane does not hide his fond memories of Juventus.
“I will also give a warm greeting to Lilian Thuram, the best defender I have ever encountered. If I score then of course I will celebrate, but the important thing is to pass this semi-final.”
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is rather more confident going into tomorrow’s second leg encounter.
“We will reach the Final,” said the patron, “there are no doubts about it. I expect it to be a 2-1 victory with Ronaldo as the star of the show.”
Ronaldo has recovered from a calf strain suffered during the first leg and is battling against time to be ready.
Football Italia
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Atleast he cares for his wife ..... 
