The Figure Of Zinedine Zidane In The Eyes Of His Former Teammate

Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham (Instagram @zidane)

JAKARTA - Zinedine Zidane is one of the most recognizable figures in world football. His career was sparkling when he played with Juventus and Real Madrid.

Zidane's success continued when he took charge of the Los Blancos first team. In the first term of his coaching period, Zizou awarded the Spanish capital team three Champions League trophies. Remember, this is only part of the number of trophies that the man of Algerian descent has contributed.

After briefly leaving in 2018, Zidane returned to be in charge of Real Madrid's first team. Again, this former French national team player gave the title to the Spanish giants.

How is Zidane in the eyes of his former colleagues at Juventus and Real Madrid? The following are comments from a number of players who have played with Zidane as quoted from MARCA.

Fernando Hierro

"He came from another league, from (a league that) understands football in a different way, but once he hits the ball you know how great he is and what he is capable of.

"Zizou didn't trick anyone. He is what you see. He has no other side.

"He comes as a quiet, shy person, but because of the way he is and out of respect, he limits himself to training and being with his teammates. He's like that, transparent.

"I remember its elegance and simplicity."

Paolo Montero

"It's impossible not to love him. He is the humble, most humble individual and leader I know.

"He is a top teammate, the best. He makes the impossible easy."

Walter Samuel

"The image I have of him is of a very calm man, committed to his family and with such great humility.

"You learn from players like him.

"Despite playing in a different position, I was also interested in watching how he moves, how he dribbles and always how he receives the ball in a good position to be able to make the final decisive pass."

Alvaro Mejia

"I had the privilege of playing with Zidane. At that time, he was the best player in the world and sharing training with him was incredible.

"Every day, there's something new. New controls, new dribbles, new shots, something that will surprise you.

"It's amazing watching him play, so imagine seeing him every day in training.

"He is a very competitive person. Very closed, but competitive. He likes to win and he is a very humble person off the pitch. This balance has always looked brilliant to me.

"For a young lad, that's me, having a model like that and seeing how he acts on and off the pitch is something you focus on and something that stays with you for the rest of your sports career.

"It is my privilege and also my dream. My total admiration."

Santiago Solari

"He is one of the greatest figures of Real Madrid. You cannot put it into words. He has no equal. Let's leave him there, in his fame."

Alessandro Del Piero

"During my career I have met many great players. Defenders like Paolo Maldini, (Fabio) Cannavaro, (Paolo) Montero, to the front are (Filippo) Inzaghi, (Francesco) Totti ... but Zidane is the most extraordinary of all. all of them.

"Zidane represents pure football. He shows that with Juve, Real Madrid and the national team."

David Beckham

"Zidane's last training session was very special.

"We were alone in the dressing room and he sat beside me and said to me; 'Thank you for everything you do, for being a teammate of an amazing team."