Zidane to end career at Real
Zinedine Zidane has confirmed he will hang up his boots when he finally decides to leave Real Madrid.
Zidane has been with Real since quitting Juventus in 2001, and reports have suggested he could embark on one final challenge away from Madrid before bringing the curtain down on his glittering career.
However, the former Bordeaux man has dashed the hopes of many admirers by saying he will retire as a Real Madrid player.
"Real Madrid will be my last team," he declared. "I have signed for four years, which will lead me to 2005.
"Or I could end in 2006 if I extend for one more year, which is forecasted in my contract."
On Sunday, Zidane was named the favourite Frenchman in a poll conducted by Le Journal du Dimanche, and he revealed great humility after scooping the award.
"Every time it is a great surprise," he said. "A great joy to be present among the top 50.
"I am part of some very privileged people, but I am not always in ecstasy considering what I am living.
"What I have become, I will always owe it to my family."
Zidane, who is widely regarded as the best player on the planet, does not yet know if he will commit himself to playing for France at the World Cup in 2006.
"It is too far away for me to imagine I could play," he said. "In the next six months, my aim is Champions League with Real and Euro 2004 with Les Bleus.
"We really want to defend our title. It won't be easy, but that doesn't prevent us from having a competitive team."
