Sunday 6 November 2016 15:24, UK
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has called on Cristiano Ronaldo to follow in his footsteps by retiring at the Santiago Bernabeu with the Portuguese star set to sign a bumper new contract.
Ronaldo is believed to be following Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in signing a new deal which would tie him to the European champions until 2021, by which time he would be 36.
"What he has to do is finish his career here," said Zidane, despite a less than inspiring display by Ronaldo in Sunday's 3-0 win at home to Leganes.
Bale, who committed his future to the Spanish giants last week by signing a new five-and-a-half year deal, struck twice in the space of seven first-half minutes before Alvaro Morata's strike ensured La Liga newcomers Leganes' first trip to the Bernabeu ended in defeat.
Speaking after the game, Zidane expressed his desire to see Real's record goal-scorer pledge his future with Los Blancos, saying: "Cristiano is unique for what he has done and what he is going.
"It is his dream to end his career here. I am happy that he can renew (his contract) and finish with this white shirt like I did a long time ago."
Zidane retired in 2006 after five years with Madrid, during which time he made 155 appearances and scored 37 goals.
Ronaldo currently sits on a 371 goals from 360 games but he has now gone five games without scoring at the Bernabeu, in what is his longest drought since joining from Manchester United seven years ago.
"There is nothing wrong, he is not worried." Zidane added.
"He looks good, he is motivated, he likes to scores goals and even more so in this stadium, but he is calm."
