France legend Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he came close to signing as Bordeaux coach over the summer before finally opting to take charge of Real Mardid's reserve team Castilla instead.
With coach Francis Gillot taking his leave at the end of May, Bordeaux were keen to land a coup by signing club legend Zinedine Zidane to take the reins at the club, and the man who scored 28 goals in 139 Ligue 1 appearances for Les Girondins between 1992 and 1996 was more than passingly interested.
'I wanted to do it'
"I wanted to do it," Zidane told radio station RMC. "I spoke to (Bordeaux president) Jean-Louis Triaud, who came to Madrid. He was clear with me, telling me that there would be very few signings, and he offered me the job. I made a decision and I don't regret my choice."
Evidently Triaud's sales pitch left Zidane with some doubts, the former Real midfielder opting to take the helm of Madrid's reserve team Castilla - who claimed a first win of the season, 3-1 against Trival on Sunday - but it seems for now that Zidane's refusal was a blessing in disguise.
Off to a flyer
After signing Zidane's former France teammate Willy Sagnol to the coaching role, Bordeaux have got off to a flying start to the season, topping the table in the early weeks and currently in third place - with three wins and a draw from five games - and just a point behind leaders Lille.
