Zinedine Zidane, the former midfield maestro who has been out of the football management scene for a whopping four years, has made a bold statement by personally ensuring his return to the sport. The 53-year-old has been on a hiatus since 2021, following the end of his second spell as manager of Real Madrid. While some doubt his ability to make a successful comeback after such a long break, Zidane remains confident in his comeback potential.
Possible Return to Manchester United
There have been talks of Zidane potentially making a return to management with Manchester United, especially if the current manager, Ruben Amorim, faces pressure early in the season. However, Zidane’s focus seems to be leaning towards a different direction. At the Festival dello Sport, he addressed rumors of his return, stating firmly, “I will definitely return.” Despite the speculation surrounding a possible reunion with Juventus or a move to Old Trafford, Zidane hinted at his interest in coaching the France national team in the future. The Frenchman’s desire to lead Les Bleus reflects his ambition to further contribute to his country’s football legacy.
Uncertain Future with Juventus
When asked about the possibility of reuniting with Juventus, Zidane’s response was somewhat ambiguous. He mentioned, “I don’t know. It hasn’t happened in the past, I made other choices.” While Zidane acknowledged his deep connection to Juventus and the impact the club had on his career, he remained uncertain about his future plans. His aspirations seem to align more with coaching a national team, with the France job being a potential target. Notably, opportunities to manage the French national team are rare, given the limited number of managers they have had in recent years. Zidane’s illustrious playing career with France, coupled with his successful stint at Real Madrid, positions him as a strong contender for the managerial role in the future.