Report: Zidane Highlights Importance of Retaining Ronaldo Until Retirement
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has revealed the importance of the current La Liga champions keeping hold of star-man Cristiano Ronaldo until the end of his career during the midst of speculation surrounding the attacker's future at the club.
The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in recent times, with the player reportedly unsettled due to a number of factors and the situation is being closely monitored by ex-club Manchester United.
However, following the Portugal international securing a second successive Club World Cup for Los Blancos with a second-half free-kick in Abu Dhabi to give his side a 1-0 win over Brazilian outfit Gremio, the Frenchman was keen to highlight the necessity of retaining the five-time Ballon d'Or-winner.
"It is fundamental for us that Ronaldo stays until the very end", Zidane told his post-match press conference, as quoted by Marca. "This is his home.
"I hope he stays here until the end, until the day he retires. We all know what he can do out on the pitch."
However, the world renowned star is not the only one making history at Real, with the 45-year-old manager himself adding to his incredible trophy haul after Saturday's victory.
The Frenchman has now picked up 10 titles since his appointment in January 2016, with this weekend's win taking him past Spanish icon Vicente del Bosque's record.
"I think most about La Liga because that is the most demanding", he contemplated.
"This is a very good moment for Real Madrid. I don't know if it's golden, but we're doing very well. We're doing something very important."
"I think my tally is very good. I didn't expect to be up with del Bosque. You have to congratulate the players because what they are doing isn't easy."
The 1-0 win over Gremio is not one that will live in the memory of the neutral, however Zidane was pleased with his side's overall showing.
"We played very well, with intensity", the former midfielder added. "We were great.
"When we start playing like that, it is very tough for our opponents. I'm very happy."
Real now travel back to Spain to rest up while La Liga continues to tick along, and begin preparations for their crucial Christmas Clasico with Barcelona on December 23.
