10-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has described Zinedine Zidane as a ‘humble person’ following news that he has quit his role at Real Madrid FC.
45-year-old Zidane has been the head coach of the Spanish football team since January 2016. Under his guidance, Real Madrid won four prestigious trophies. Three in the Champions League and one in the La Liga. In a shock statement, the former French player said he felt that the club ‘needed a change.’
Speaking about Zidane’s departure following his second round win at Roland Garros, Nadal has praised the work of the Frenchman. The Spaniard is a lifetime supporter of Real Madrid and has been spotted numerous times attending their matches. Last year, he said that he would one day like to become the president of the club during an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
“It’s tough to accept that he’s leaving,” Nadal told reporters in Paris.
“He is a great coach who had a lot of success with the team. He is a good, humble person who represents the right values.
“He is the perfect example of how someone who has been successful does the everyday things normally without saying negative things about the club, players, referees.
“Zinedine is always smiling even in the difficult moments, so thanks to him for always setting the right examples.”
Nadal continued to praise Zidane whilst speaking about the topic with Spanish media on Thursday. Saying that with his management he showed ‘trust and respect’ to his players. Zidane won 70 per cent of his matches when in charge of Real Madrid (104 out of the 149).
“Last winter when things were going very badly, as it was the case in Madrid, he never complained. He just trusted his players.” Said Nadal.
“I don’t know what was happening inside, but he always showed trust and respect for everyone, and he accepted the sport for what it is: a sport. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose.”
At the French Open, Nadal will take on Richard Gasquet in the third round.
