From Madrid’s old European nights to Portugal’s Nations League camp, Zinedine Zidane has offered public support to Cristiano Ronaldo after his former Real Madrid forward chose to leave the national-team gathering.
Zidane, who worked with Ronaldo during their hugely successful spell together at Real Madrid, defended the Portuguese captain’s decision amid the Nations League schedule. The French coach made clear that his regard for Ronaldo had not diminished.
“I take my hat off to Cristiano,” Zidane said, backing the player he once guided in the Spanish capital.
Ronaldo and Zidane shared one of the defining partnerships of modern Real Madrid, with the Portuguese forward leading the line during a period that brought major continental success to the club.
