Zidane Ready to Quit Juventus
October 18, 1998 - 0:0
TURIN, Italy Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, rated as the world's best midfielder, has warned Juventus that he might quit the Italian champions. Zidane, who guided the hosts to victory at France 98, feels bitter and betrayed by people here in Turin after a mixed run of form. Previously wooed by Manchester United, he is ready to ditch a contract he has here until 2003. I've been through a very difficult time which I think is finally coming to an end, said the 26-year-old. I played fairly well against Russia and Andorra for the national side and although I'm not yet at my best, I'm getting there.
I haven't been concerned about it, because people in the game have told me not to worry. That after a year as hard as the last one and not just because of the World Cup it's only usual to be a bit behind in the new season. But he went on: There are people here who are always there to give me a pat on the back and to make compliments when things are going well.
But during the hard times, like the ones I've just been through, they disappear. They disappear into the void, into the world of silence. Before I didn't understand what they were really like. Now, after what's happened, I do know. Zidane cleared his teammates of any blame and would not identify the target of his attack, though the Italian press pointed the finger at the club's owner and honorary president, Fiat Baron Giovanni Agnelli. He simply warned the club: It could be that I leave Juventus before the contract expires.
I don't even remember if that's in 2003 or 2004. But it doesn't make much difference because I will almost certainly not be respecting it. Let me make one thing clear at the moment, I am here, with Juventus, and I'm happy about that. But who knows if I will be here next season? After four or five years with the club I might just realize that that's enough and that it's time to go, he told the Turin-based paper, Tuttosport. Zidane joined Juventus in the summer of 1996, after reaching the UEFA Cup final with Bordeaux, and went on to win two league titles but lose two consecutive European Cup finals with the Italian giants.
(AFP)
I haven't been concerned about it, because people in the game have told me not to worry. That after a year as hard as the last one and not just because of the World Cup it's only usual to be a bit behind in the new season. But he went on: There are people here who are always there to give me a pat on the back and to make compliments when things are going well.
But during the hard times, like the ones I've just been through, they disappear. They disappear into the void, into the world of silence. Before I didn't understand what they were really like. Now, after what's happened, I do know. Zidane cleared his teammates of any blame and would not identify the target of his attack, though the Italian press pointed the finger at the club's owner and honorary president, Fiat Baron Giovanni Agnelli. He simply warned the club: It could be that I leave Juventus before the contract expires.
I don't even remember if that's in 2003 or 2004. But it doesn't make much difference because I will almost certainly not be respecting it. Let me make one thing clear at the moment, I am here, with Juventus, and I'm happy about that. But who knows if I will be here next season? After four or five years with the club I might just realize that that's enough and that it's time to go, he told the Turin-based paper, Tuttosport. Zidane joined Juventus in the summer of 1996, after reaching the UEFA Cup final with Bordeaux, and went on to win two league titles but lose two consecutive European Cup finals with the Italian giants.
(AFP)