Real appoint Zidane as advisory head

(GSM) – Real Madrid have appointed club legend Zinedine Zidane as presidential advisor to the first team.

It means that the new role for the former World Cup winner will be to assist president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho.

Zidane will not only have regular contact with the first team but also take part in training sessions and meetings with Mourinho ahead of Champions League games.

A statement on Madrid’s official Web site read: “The reasoning for his appointment is to assist in optimising first-team working conditions.

“Zidane will be readily available to the president and coach for all matters concerning Real Madrid’s first team, with whom he will keep in frequent contact.

“The former player will participate in Champions League events and functions. He will also travel with the team on a regular basis for said competition and will participate in the pre-match gatherings, training sessions and meetings with the head coach.”

Zidane spent five seasons at Madrid between 2001 and 2006, scoring a memorable volleyed winner in their Champions League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.