Zidane makes wage pledge

Zinedine Zidane, the world's most expensive player, says he would be prepared to accept a pay cut at Real Madrid CF if the club thought it was necessary.

'Economic crisis'
"For the moment we have not talked about the issue at Real Madrid, but I would be prepared to accept a lower salary if it was thought necessary," said Zidane on the club's website. "In recent years there has been a great deal of money in football, but it is clear that things have changed and it is now being affected by an economic crisis.

'Talk less about money'
"It might be better if we all talked less about money," added the 30-year-old who signed for Madrid, the European champions, for a world record €76.2m last year. Zidane and his Madrid team-mates Luis Figo and Raúl González are reported to be the three highest paid players in Spanish football, each earning in excess of €6m a year.

Wonder goal
Zidane, who scored a wonder goal at Hampden Park in May to help Madrid to another UEFA Champions League crown, injured himself in a pre-FIFA World Cup friendly and was forced to watch much of the tournament from the sidelines as France exited goalless from the first round.

Midfield genius
However, the midfield genius is fully recovered from the thigh injury which blighted his summer. "Physically, I am very well. The injury to my left thigh is now no more than a bad memory," Zidane said. "I am in good condition because I tried to train during my holidays. Morale-wise, I am in the best possible condition. I return with a lot of joy, desire and hope, and motivated to have a great season."

Inter offer
Zidane's comments on wages come two weeks after Internazionale FC trio Ronaldo, Christian Vieri and Alvaro Recoba said they would be prepared to accept a salary reduction to help their club through the financial crisis hitting Italian football.

Rivaldo released
Brazilian playmaker Rivaldo was released this month by FC Barcelona in an apparent bid to cut costs. Milan AC, who are favourites to sign Rivaldo, said earlier this week they hoped the World Cup winner would make realistic wage demands at a time when Italian clubs are tightening their belts.