Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer, insists Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane is still the best.
In fact, the Welshman still has to pinch himself when Madrid assistant Coach pulls on his boots in training.
“Yes, Zidane gets involved in training now and again and to be honest it looks like he never retired. He was a phenomenal player and it looks like he still is.
“But it’s great to be here and working with everyone, “said Bale in quotes attributed to the Daily Star.
Zidane has been hailed as one of football’s greatest players ever, with perhaps his most famous goal being an awesome volley in the 2002 Champions League Final that sealed a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
It was an occasion that Bale recalls watching as a 13-year-old.
“As a youngster I remember watching Madrid in that final and seeing Zidane hit that wonderful volley. They were so enjoyable to watch and played with a swagger every game.
“It was very exciting whenever they played and, as a fan, that’s what you want to see.
“As a kid growing up I looked at the stadium, the players, and saw the biggest club in the world. I dreamed of playing for them.”
Despite Zidane being number one in Bale’s eyes, he reckons at the moment even the Frenchman is overshadowed by teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Who has better training skills out of Zidane and Ronaldo? Ronaldo!”
