Zidane extends Madrid stay

Zinedine Zidane will remain at Real Madrid CF for an extra two years after reaching an agreement to extend his contract until 30 June 2007, the Spanish club said on Thursday evening.

Zidane 'delighted'
"I'm delighted," the French playmaker told the Madrid website. "It was what the club wanted and what I wanted. For me the most important thing is to play football and doing that here at Real Madrid is the greatest pleasure I could have."

Contract until 2007
Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano said the decision to renew Zidane's contract demonstrated the club's long-term commitment to the player. "We thought it was best to provide stability to the club by extending his contract for two more years," he said. "Now we can all enjoy seeing 'Zizou' play until at least 2007."

'High competitive standards'
Valdano added that he was not concerned by the fact that Zidane would be 35 when he completes his new deal. "His game is based on technique and intelligence and so we are confident he will be able to maintain his high competitive standards."

Integral player
After helping France to victory in the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the UEFA European Championship in 2000, Zidane left Juventus FC to join Madrid in July 2001 for a world record fee of €52.2m. After a hesitant start, he went on to become an integral part of the team under then coach Vicente del Bosque.

Key role
He played a key role in helping Madrid to a record ninth European Champion Clubs' Cup in his first season, scoring a spectacular winner in the 2-1 final victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Hampden Park.

Virtuoso performances
Zidane turned in some virtuoso performances in his second season as he helped Madrid to the league title. He will be helping France defend their European Championship title in Portugal this summer. Before then Madrid will make an assault on their tenth European club crown - they face FC Bayern München in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League next Tuesday with the return leg on 10 March.