Zidane backtracks on retirement promise

Zinedine Zidane has backtracked on his promise to retire when his Real Madrid contract expires in 2005.

The French playmaker admits he has reflected on the comments which he made during Real Madrid’s stay in China at the end of July and recognised that his decision was made in haste and “a bit stupid”.

Now 31, Zidane was talisman of the France team which won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships.

In an interview to be published in French magazine France Football, Zidane says: “During a press conference in China I mentioned that the year 2005, which is also the end of my contract with Madrid, would be my last year as a football player.

“That was a bit stupid from me to say that. Actually I am not sure. I have not decided on a precise date to retire.

“All I can say is that I want to stop when I am still at the top rather than when I am on the downslope. Everything will depend on my feelings, I guess.”