France coach Raymond Domenech says Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane's finest hour could still be ahead of him.
Zidane announced his retirement yesterday, confirming he will hang up his boots after the World Cup and Domenech said: "I know he's eager to have a great World Cup in Germany and I'm convinced he can still write the finest page of his sporting history by winning another World Cup with Les Bleus."
Three-times World Player of the Year Zidane said on Tuesday he would retire after the June 9-July 9 tournament in Germany, during which he will turn 34.
"Like all those who love football, I'm a little bit sad when I think that after the World Cup, we will no longer see Zidane on a football pitch, at the highest level anyway," Domenech said in a statement.
Zidane, who inspired France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, was clearly moved when he told French television channel Canal+ that he would quit in a few weeks.
"I'm quitting for good," the Real Madrid playmaker said, without waiting for a news conference he has called for today in Madrid.
Zidane announced his retirement yesterday, confirming he will hang up his boots after the World Cup and Domenech said: "I know he's eager to have a great World Cup in Germany and I'm convinced he can still write the finest page of his sporting history by winning another World Cup with Les Bleus."
Three-times World Player of the Year Zidane said on Tuesday he would retire after the June 9-July 9 tournament in Germany, during which he will turn 34.
"Like all those who love football, I'm a little bit sad when I think that after the World Cup, we will no longer see Zidane on a football pitch, at the highest level anyway," Domenech said in a statement.
Zidane, who inspired France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, was clearly moved when he told French television channel Canal+ that he would quit in a few weeks.
"I'm quitting for good," the Real Madrid playmaker said, without waiting for a news conference he has called for today in Madrid.
