Lippi bids Zidane farewell
Wednesday 26 April, 2006
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has hailed the career of Zinedine Zidane after the ace revealed that he will be quitting football at the end of this season.
The Frenchman has confirmed whispers that he will be hanging up his boots after the World Cup even if his Real Madrid contract doesn’t expire until 2007.
“I’m quitting football after the World Cup,” the player told Canal Plus. “It is a decision that I have made after thinking long and hard about it.”
Now Lippi, who bossed the midfielder during his time as Juventus boss, has underlined just what football will be missing when Zizou does retire.
“I think he is the greatest football talent of the last 20 years,” the Azzurri boss stated. “He’s always been at the disposal of his team, never being a Prima Donna.
“I remember him as a humble man when he arrived with the full backing of his great predecessor in the shape of Michel Platini.
“I told him on many occasions at the beginning of our relationship to stay tranquil and just play football in the way he knew how.
“At the end of the day he showed everyone his qualities. I’m honoured to have been able to have coached him.”
Zidane joined Juventus for just £3.5m from Bordeaux before going on to win numerous honours at club and international level.
The midfielder eventually left the Stadio Delle Alpi in the summer of 2001 after the Old Lady accepted a £48m offer from the Spanish giants.
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