29 October,2010 07:21 AM IST | | Agencies
Former Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane is set for a more hands-on role at the Spanish giants, especially during Champions League matches, the club's director general Jorge Valdano said last night.
"He will accompany us during Champions League matches, and in some league matches," Valdano told reporters when asked about what the former French international's new role at the club alongside coach Jose Mourinho will be. "He will not sit on the bench and will help Mourinho in his relationship with the first team; not in technical work, but bringing his experience by being close to the coach and the team."
Earlier last night, sport daily Marca reported that Zidane had met Real president Florentino Perez and Valdano to finalise his role and the paper speculated that he could be in the dugout for the Champions League match against AC Milan at the San Siro next Wednesday.
Zidane, 38, has been a special advisor to Perez since June 2009. He retired from football after his fifth season with Real in 2006 and the World Cup that year.
