Dip in form has led to retirement, admits Zidane

ZINEDINE ZIDANE claims an inability to maintain his high standards on the pitch is a major reason behind his decision to retire from football after the World Cup.

The France and Real Madrid playmaker will hang up his boots after this summer’s showpiece in Germany, bringing to an end a glorious 18-year career that has seen him win almost every major prize the game has to offer.

By his own admission, the 33-year-old has not been at his imperious best over the past two seasons and he does not want this slide to continue beyond this year.