The new head coach of France, Zinedine Zidane, has revealed that he rejected several managerial offers from clubs because he was waiting for the opportunity to lead the national team.
Zidane made the disclosure after being appointed as the new manager of Les Bleus, saying the national team job was the only coaching role he wanted after leaving Real Madrid.
The former France captain said he had received offers from clubs over the past few years but decided against taking any of them in pursuit of his dream position.
Speaking at his first press conference as France coach, Zidane said he had always viewed leading the national team as his ultimate ambition.
“Over the past four or five years, I received offers from clubs, but I declined them all in favour of the national team,” Zidane said, according to Sky Sports.
“This role is the only one I wished to pursue after my tenure at Real Madrid. I have always viewed the French national team from the perspective of a fan, but also as a prospective manager. This is why I chose not to take on a club team.”
Zidane left Real Madrid in 2021 after a successful second spell in charge, during which he won multiple trophies, including two La Liga titles and three consecutive UEFA Champions League trophies.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup winner also paid tribute to Didier Deschamps, who ended his long spell as France coach after the World Cup.
Zidane acknowledged Deschamps’ contribution to French football and said he was ready to take on the responsibility of leading the national team.
“I have reiterated this numerous times: there is nothing more significant than the France national team. Therefore, it brings me immense joy and pride to take on the role of manager for this team. It also comes with a great responsibility. I am filled with emotions and prepared for the challenge,” he said.
“This is what drives me. Today, I have the chance to lead this team, and I will dedicate myself fully to ensure its success. I would also like to extend my congratulations to DD [Deschamps] for his outstanding years of service.”
Zidane succeeds Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and reached another World Cup final during his tenure.
The appointment marks Zidane’s return to football management after several years away from coaching following his departure from Real Madrid.
The former midfielder, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest players, previously represented the national team 108 times and played a key role in the country’s 1998 World Cup triumph and Euro 2000 success.
